We know that there are dogs in need around the world. Luckily there are many good people and organisations working to alleviate these problems. Here in the UK we probably have more such as in other parts of the world although of course there are never enough.
In Australia we have colleagues www.doglistenersdownunder.com.au who are doing amazing work in all fields of canine welfare. You may recall the dreadful Victoria bushfires a short time ago. People and dogs lost their lives and homes and many of those who survived suffered terrible burns. There was treatment for the humans but no infrastructure in place for the dogs particularly for those parted from their owners. Dog Listeners swung into action and were the driving force in the rescue and treatment of these dogs. This is still a work in progress but Lynne (who I met during my recent visit) and the gang will be there for as long as it takes.
This morning on the Australian Dog Listeners Forum I read about ‘Lacey’ and it really touched me. I know that we can’t, as much as we would like to, help every dog. I know that Australia is a long way away, but due to the huge size of the country and the proportionately small population they can’t have the same number of suitably funded shelters that we have. I also know that times are hard for everyone, unless you’re an MP. Just read Lacey’s story below and if you can help it would be wonderful. If you can’t we understand. For your information an Australian Dollar equates to about 50p.
LACEY’S STORY
Hello, my name is Lacey and I am eight years old. I came to Golden Retriever Rescue because I am not wanted by my owners as they are having a new baby. I have lived in the yard all my life without a bed or shelter and when I arrived at GRR I was filthy and my gorgeous golden coat and tail were full of knots. However, Wendy and Trisha looked on the inside and found a special quality in me that touched their hearts. They also noticed that I had difficulty moving around but I was so happy to be living in Goldie headquarters that I didn’t mind the pain. Life was certainly getting better by the moment.
Going through the assessment process at GRR I was bathed and groomed but a vet check, followed by x-rays showed that I have the worst case of hip dysplasia the vet has seen in his career. GRR’s vet said that I should have my x-rays placed in a text book and here I was thinking that it was because of my cute smile. My x-rays show that I have no sockets for my hips and I have been taking the pressure on my knees causing one to deteriorate to the point that I need a knee as well. No wonder walking was so painful. Goldie Rescue was given the difficult decision to put me to sleep. Wendy and Trisha thought long and hard because there are so many Goldies that they need to help, but they just couldn’t put an end to my life without me ever having the chance to know what it is like to be pain free and part of a loving family, so it’s new hips for me. GRR’s vet calls it bilateral hip replacement and I know that the recovery will be long and painful but it will be wonderful to walk and run again.
GRR has been in debt for over eight years and it seems that it’s only the depth that varies, but the surgery to give me two new hips will cost approximately $6,000 and Goldie Rescue wants to continue to help other Goldies that come to them for help. It’s not all about me you know.
GRR has found a special family to care for me during my long and difficult recovery and now they need to find the money to pay for my surgery and that’s where you come in. If you would like to donate towards my operation please go to the Donate page found on the top right hand corner of the website or simply send a cheque made out to Golden Retriever Rescue Inc.
Thank you for reading my story and whether you decide to donate or simply wish me a speedy recovery I’m happy to know that there are people out there who care enough to hold me in their thoughts. That’s a whole lot more than I’ve experienced in my life so far.
GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE INC.
www.grr.org. au
P O Box 4081 Oatley West NSW 2223