June News

June has been a sad month in some ways for Kim’s Home.  Zak, our very elderly Whippet cross, became suddenly lame.  His pain increased so quickly and dramatically that I arranged for x-rays.  These showed a tumour in his shoulder which had cracked his scapula.  There was no option but to let him slip away.  We miss our worried little old fellow.  He was a great cleaner-upper in the family and always dried up the other dogs and cleaned eyes, ears and wounds.

Then we had a request from a local pound to help with an elderly Cocker Spaniel, picked up as a stray, who had mammary tumours.  I agreed and put an appeal on Facebook to raise funds for her operation.  When I collected Shelley, as the pound had named her, it was obvious that the tumours were much more extensive than mammary tumours.  They were huge and covered the area from in her armpit right to round her anal area.  And it was obvious that the little dog was not well.  My vet said he could have a try at removing the tumours so that she could enjoy some good times.  However, we decided to x-ray her first in order to check for internal tumours.  Our worst fears were confirmed – internal tumours, one as big as a tennis ball, were found in her abdomen.  It seemed kindest to let her go while she was sleeping.  That hurt a lot because Shelley was the sweetest, happiest dog you can imagine.   For nearly 2 days my daughter and I gave that little dog as many cuddles as we could to make up for the neglect and cruelty that she had suffered.  She was happy and waggy-tailed.  She deserved so much better.

I would like to thank all the people who contributed to funds for Shelley’s operation.  Sadly it was not to be, but everyone has said that the fund should be kept for the next needy case that comes along.  Shelley’s story can be seen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimsHomeForElderlyAbusedDogs?fref=ts

On a happier note, Kim’s Home has funded the release of 3 dogs from a northern pound this month.  I paid donations to secure lurchers Blaze, Carly and Olly.  Thanks to a wonderful team of volunteer transporters and GRWE, the dogs made the mammoth trip from Durham to Newquay in Cornwall.  They can be seen on the St Francis website.  Olly has already found a home as companion to Harvey who came from Durham last month.

Molly, an elderly rough-coated lurcher, who came from a northern pound has been fostered by a friend.  She is now ready to find her permanent home or to come to Kim’s Home.  If you think you could offer this beauty a home, please contact me.

Foster dog for GRWE, Laurie, is doing very well and is now ready for his forever home.  He is up to full weight, neutered, vaccinated and civilised. He is young, boisterous, wicked, funny and will give his new home a lot of laughs.  Is it you? 

Meanwhile the remaining 14 Kim’s Home dogs are all doing well. Even wicked Lucy has stopped being a runaway fiend and has developed a rudimentary recall.  And she has become such a happy, loving dog.  Her bald patches have nearly grown over.  Long may it last!

Thank you to everyone for your continuing support for Kim’s Home.  It means a lot.

Wendy and the dogs