If you have a border collie, don't do this.

[bunn]

Today's transport run was a 12 year old border collie: Sam.

His condition was really disturbing. He stank. He was full of fleas, with a big bald patch on his back. His claws were so overgrown they were twisted and some had broken : he was overweight and his muscles were so weak that he couldnt' get into the car. When I picked him up he felt like a big soft pudding.

He was handed to the Oldies Club after being surrendered by his owner (after considerable persuasion from Social services). He had not been walked in about 2 years, they estimate.

I've just boil washed everything that was in the car with him, and I think I may boil my clothes as well because I've got a flea bite on my stomach!

If there is one dog that needs walking several times a day every day, even when older, it's a border collie. Grrr.

Comments

[the-marquis.livejournal.com]

OOoh that sounds awful, couldn't the silly old bleeder have asked someone to walk the poor dog for them?

[bunn.livejournal.com]

I just got an update on this, and the owner was not elderly and losing it, as I had assumed - it was a woman younger than me, with children!

I hope social services are on the ball : I really feel for those poor kids.

[the-marquis.livejournal.com]

Social services on the ball ? I wouldn't hold your breath.

[bunn.livejournal.com]

:-(((

I can only hope. They did force her to surrender the dog, at least.

[the-marquis.livejournal.com]

Well there is that

[helflaed.livejournal.com]

How terrible. Poor old thing. Do you think that the Oldies Club will be able to get him fit again?

As for the unwelcome guests- if your clothes can't be boil washed, would it work if you washed them as hot as possible then put them in the hot cycle of a tumble drier?

[bunn.livejournal.com]

Fortunately I had worn my oldest things: they seem to have survived the 95 degree wash OK but if anything has shrunk it won't be too bad to have to fling it.

I hope there are no fleas left in the car. I wonder if you can Frontline car seats...?

[bunn.livejournal.com]

Oh, I forgot to say the important bit : yes, we think his fosterers should be able to get him back into rehoming order. He's a sweet lad and nothing that is wrong with him is really serious, so far as we know.

That's one reason it's so annoying: it's not like he needed loads of money spending on his maintenance. Three years ago, all he needed was walking, Frontline and the occasional bone or chew for his teeth (most butchers will give you bones free if you ask)...

His fosterers managed to find a vet that would fit him in at no notice at 4pm on Saturday (yay!), so at least the awful nails are sorted, although some of them are permanently twisted out of alignment now so they will always need keeping an eye on.

I believe they are going to give him a week to settle and start getting used to some gentle exercise and loads of tlc, before they book him in for a dental.