An 8 hour round journey sees me arrive home with Merlin, a very young German Shepherd
recovering from sarcoptic mange and snotting blood. He can only be between 12-18 months,
and was picked up as a stray in Northampton. The kennels he was at have treated his condition,
but are full up with the usual rush of strays after Christmas.
Luckily, we had a long term foster home lined up for such a case, and Merlin is lying on a warm bed tonight. Thank you Andy and Jackie, you are absolute stars for giving this wonderful guy a home. (And I must say, he truly is wonderful, gave cuddles all the way home!) (11.01.2009)
A trip to see Merlin leaves me astounded at how anyone could of let him get in the state he is in. He is so loving, and just wants love all the time. His true character is becoming to shine through, and every time I see him, I end up thinking he is even younger! I would say he is a year old at the VERY most. His snotting is beginning to dry up, and his cough is getting better. He know longer looks red and sore underneath, and can you believe there is a lot of new hair growing in already. Just goes to show you what a warm house and bundles of TLC can do. Speaking of which, once again I cannot thank Andy and Jackie enough. This dog was facing the vets needle because no rescues could take him due to his contagious condition. They are doing a wonderful job sorting out this handsome boy, and have probably saved his life in doing so.
Merlin was back at the vets today for a check up after being neutered and having a retained testicle removed. He has had a very slight flair up of a rash, and it now appears that his original condition may not of been Mange, but an allergy to something. It has flared up again slightly, so he is back on antibiotics, and starts a James Wellbeloved Hypo Allergenic diet tomorrow, courtesy of the food so kindly donated by Jollyes last week. As you can see from the picture below though, he is looking superb, and has turned out to be such a lovely dog.
Merlin has gone home today! (11.01.2009)