Most dogs who are found as strays face a challenging future – but two Chihuahuas who were recently found abandoned at the side of a busy road faced extra challenges. The poor, tiny dogs were not only dumped by the roadside, but one was blind and one was missing a foot.
The two dogs in question are a mother and daughter duo, and when they were discovered mother Peggy was three years old, and her six week old puppy, Pip, was just six weeks old. Thanks to the RSPCA they are now ready to go to a forever home. The charity took them in and gave them veterinary treatment for four months. During this time the two young dogs have been in foster care, where they both got on well with other dogs, cats and children.
Kathy Butler, dog coordinator at the RSPCA branch, said: “Pip was only a few weeks old when she was dumped with her mother and she was in a really poor condition.
“After initial investigations by vets she was referred to the Animal Health Trust and, following MRIs, ultrasounds and consultations with neurology and ophthalmology, we discovered part of her brain is missing, she’s blind, and has no functioning eyelids.
“She’s had a course of steroids and has eye drops five times a day, a treatment she’ll need for the rest of her life. Funds raised to help with her treatment will go towards her future veterinary care.
“We don’t know what the future holds for Pip as the specialists had never seen a dog with her condition before, but it’s a miracle that she’s become such a wonderful, playful and feisty pup, and I have no doubt that she’ll live her life to the full.”
Pip, who is blind, can be a bit vocal initially – it’s her way of locating people around her of calling to them. Her lack of sight is thankfully not a huge issue for her, and she manages well.
Peggy is a contented dog who adores human interaction and love. Vets examined her injured leg but advised against further amputation, and to is coping well with life, and uses her leg with very little problem.
“We would like to find this pair a patient and understanding owner who has a calm home environment with no children,” Kathy added.
“It’s really important that they go to a new home with time to dedicate to them, who can slowly introduce them to the world and continue their training. Any doggy residents will have to be friendly and tolerant of Pip as she adjusts.
“Please only apply for these special dogs if you are willing to dedicate the time and commitment to a special needs dog, and have the time and energy to give them the lives they deserve. Despite their disabilities, Peggy and Pip are both active, loving dogs who do not let their issues slow them down!”
To find out how to adopt the pair, and how to contact the RSPCA, visit their website - https://www.rspca.org.uk/home