You may remember at the end of november I told you Sally's story and how we were desperately looking to try and find her a retirement home to call her own. You may also remember that I followed it up by saying that I was delighted to say that the appeal had worked, Sally had found a new home by the seaside.
I'm afraid that this update is a lot sadder. Just a couple of weeks ago, Sally became ill. She was very lethargic and off her food, which was a huge alarm bell when it came to Sally. A trip to the vets resulted in medication, but none really made much of a difference. After four days she was just the same.
Sally's devoted mam, Dot, cannot drive so one of our volunteers Mick picked Sally up and I met them at the vets so they could have a deeper look.
Ultrasounds showed a large balloon of fluid around her lungs which could have been an infection or something more sinister. As always I wanted to give her the best possible chance and treatment, so authorised a CT scan to delve further. It was then we discovered that her lungs were riddled with tumours, the vets were surprised she could even breath. We were left with no choice but to say goodbye.
I think her contentment at being home, made her fight so hard to stay alive, but eventually it was a battle she couldn't win. Sally slipped away being cuddled by Dot, myself and volunteers Mick and Lesley. Not bad for a dog that nobody wanted.
We all miss her, but no one more than Dot. Sally adored her and followed her everywhere, which for me is where this can be looked on as equally a happy ending as it a huge loss.
Sally was able to find love and a home thanks to a wonderful lady who gave her probably the best months of her life. Dot will say she got as much love back from Sally as she gave, that in itself is a magical thing. They have memories of fun and laughter, of snuggling together on the sofa, and of cuddling each other in bed during the cold winter nights. As a rescue we couldn't ask for anymore.
I'd like to thank Dot, Mick and Lesley for doing so much to make an old girl very happy.
Sally leaves behind a legacy, proof that there are amazing people out there willing to offer homes to even more amazing older dogs. Of course, Sally isn't the only one we have, there is still a few more with us that would benefit from just being given the chance of such love and devotion.
If you would like to learn a little more about becoming a fosterer for an oldie, then please get in touch foreverfoster@shak.org.uk