A Rescue Dog's Unconventional Christmas Gift
Every evening in August, Catherine's Puppies, a shelter in Sai Kung, Hong Kong, received a call regarding Chloe - a Chihuahua mix, eighteen months old, and freshly adopted mother of three pups. Volunteers found Chloe a few days earlier, pregnant and sans her canine digits on all four paws.
Dr. Lumsden, the shelter's founder, shared the news, "The vet said she wasn't born this way, and it couldn't have been just luck." Lumsden voiced her outrage, "I can't fathom the monster who did this."
Chloe was unable to support her left front paw, as the load proved too much for her delicate bones. The vet suggested an infection, possibly requiring surgery to alleviate her pain, only to result in further loss of limb. The vet suggested Röntgen scans to gauge Chloe's condition, hinting at a potential future need for a prosthetic limb.
As costs continued to mount, shelter manager Lumsden, who relies solely on donations, turned to the shelter's Facebook page, boasting 22,000 followers, with a plea for support.
Sharma, a mother of two in Discovery Bay, a wealthy settlement on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, penned her response, "We can adopt Chloe and her babies - just a message."
Building Trust Bit by Bit
Sharma, her children, welcomed Chloe and her pups, expanding the growing Rottweiler family.
"Saving Chloe and her pups was a no-brainer", Sharma shared. Within five minutes of arriving home, Sharma knew Chloe would never leave.
"At first, she was terrified of everything, especially my son. We suspected someone had cut her claws off", Sharma recounted. Chloe took refuge in the garden for hours, only emerging when she saw her pups.
When someone approached Chloe, she'd capitulate, her eyes rolling back and tears welling up. The family assumed her abuser also attacked her.
Slowly, with the help of Ivy, a deaf and blind former breeder, crippled by cancer and epilepsy, Chloe began to assert her unique personality.
Approximately two months later, the Sharma family officially adopted Chloe, making her their seventh rescue dog.
"She needed three months to trust and live without fear, learning that none of us would hurt her and that we loved her", Sharma said.
Chloe's New Socks
Now Chloe traverses more than anticipated, thanks to her exhausting energy. However, the Sharma family sought to further enhance Chloe's quality of life by ordering specialized booties for her remaining paws from Sweden, arriving at Christmas.
"She fares well with her hind legs, they give her a bit of a kangaroo hop", Sharma explained. "But it's not pleasant for her, as she's constantly switching between her two front paws to maintain balance."
"We hope it helps, but she might still need a prosthetic leg", said Sharma, planning to run 200 kilometers (about 124 miles) in January, collecting donations for her cause.
Catherine's Puppies, a shelter caring for roughly 90 dogs, relies on monthly fundraising efforts. Ramsden shared her sentiments, "It's stressful thinking about how to finance it every month."
In October, Ramsden publicly appealed for support, aiming to pay off a debt of more than 123,000 Hong Kong dollars (15,000 USD) at a local clinic. The cost continues to climb with expenses such as doctors' bills, shelter maintenance, and bedding for the dogs.
"You can't fathom it", Ramsden said, while expressing gratitude for the chance to see Chloe and other rescued dogs prosper in their new homes.
At Sharma's home, Chloe romped all day with Sharma's other rescue dogs and was often pampered with strokes and cuddles.
"Chloe was a unique soul, earning a special place in our hearts", Sharma recalls. "She became the love of our lives.”
Additional Insights:
Fitting boots for dogs with missing limbs relies on several factors, including the dog's size, weight, and gait. To optimize comfort and support, it's essential to consider the following:
- Fitting: Ensure the boot fits snugly without causing discomfort. Some dogs may require custom-made boots.
- Material: Choose boots made from breathable, lightweight materials like leather or neoprene. This helps prevent heat exhaustion and enables easier movement, even in warm climates.
- Heel Stability: Look for boots with an adjustable heel strap, if possible, to provide additional support for dogs that may struggle with balance.
- Tread: Select boots with grippy soles to help prevent slipping and maintain traction in various terrain.
- Design: Opt for boot designs that offer thumb holes for easy on and off or flexible side openings for easy dressing and undressing.
