Every now and then a dog comes along who's story breaks your heart, abused or mistreated, we do everything we can to help them.
When Midas arrived I knew there was only one person who could help him to the level he needed, one person who would be able to cope with all the ailments he had suffered from the years of horrific abuse.
Our good friend Liesa came forward and offered him a the world, he had just landed in the most amazing place. As I set off to drive him the long journey to his new home, I thought his life had finally begun.
Life has a habit though of being cruel. I'll pass you across to Liesa to tell you his story:
Midas was rescued 4 years ago, having been dumped over fencing in an electrical compound. He was starving and covered in sores and muck. judging by his condition he had been kept in a crate of some kind smaller than his size. He had a curved spine indicating having to lay in a small space for long periods, he also had bald patches on his shoulders where we presume they had been pressed on the ceiling of the crate whenever he stood upright. He had clearly been abused due to his fear of brooms and mops and still to this day is frightened of a garden hose.
Despite the horrors he had been through he showed only affection to any human who paid him attention, wanting nothing more than to be loved and give love in return.
During his period of recovery it was noted he had a wayward eye that moved out of place, this condition could be congenital or an indication of previous head trauma. It was noticed that his back legs weren't quite right and his slipping knee caps where discovered and would likely require surgery in the future if the condition worsened. His teeth displayed evidence to the longstanding malnourishment he had endured during the estimated 3 years of his life this far.
Some weeks of love, good food and proper care were given resulting in a steady weight gain and a slow improvement to his irritated skin. He went in for neutering and a dental and came back minus his scab covered testicles and teeth now free of brown covered plaque.
Midas was nothing more than just another big black bull breed cross of some variety. A dog who suffered skin allergies, food allergies, ongoing vet bills with the probability of needing major surgery to his legs in the future. He needed special care costing more than your average dog. This made him un-homeable. He was placed in permanent foster to ensure his life would never be anything less than a truly loved member of a family where he has shared a bed with a human ever since. Played ball with a boy and snuggled with many a dog he befriended.
Now 4 years on this happy loving boy has just been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and a faulty heart valve after being rushed to an out of hours vet in the early hours of Saturday morning struggling to breath, further investigations were carried out as he was not responding to treatment as expected and sadly a mass was discovered in front of and wrapping around his heart. Euthanasia is all that awaits him... The tears and absolute shock to know this loving boy would not be living to a ripe old age has hit hard and the prospect of watching the life drain from his friendly bright and beautiful eyes has been to much to bare.
Amazingly he stabilised after oxygen therapy, diuretics to drain some fluid build up in his chest and a drug to help his heart pump. Instead of having to let him go he was able to be brought home to experience more of the life he deserves. How long for, hours, days, weeks... no one knows, but he is still living. Still eating. Still lifting his leg for belly rubs. It's not his time just yet!
Sitting on his favourite bench in the garden he takes in a little bit of sunshine just like he has done during his 4 years here. Although he is weaker, he is still happy and content. As I sit next to him with tears streaming (knowing our time is now so very brief) he licks the tears from my cheeks. We comfort each other. He is to me a big black magnificent bull breed handsome cross who is more than I ever could have hoped for, a true friend.
How anyone could ever have abused him is beyond comprehension. Please know that he will be loved right to the end and will not be left to suffer in any way.
We are all so proud of Midas and Liesa for being so strong and fighting to live, but unfortunately like everything this has come at a price. The vets have been amazing, but being out of hours we now have a huge bill of £1,361.92. £200 has already been paid, leaving us with an outstanding balance of £1,161.92.
Midas is worth every penny of that bill and will also need expensive medication for as long as we have the fortune of his company. This is where once again we are calling on your fantastic support.
If you would like to help us pay the vets bill that saved Midas's life and to pay towards the medication he needs on a daily basis you can do it via:
PayPal:
https://www.paypal.me/shaksanctuary
Please mark for Midas in the notes when you make a payment.
Thank you so much. I know he is in the best hands possible and that everything will be done for him. Hes had the best 4 years of his life, but he deserves so many more.....