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.

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[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.