Updates on Sandra, James and Chris

A big thank you to the numerous friends and supporters who have donated and/or taken the initiative to write in to ask how Sandra is coping, and also about James and Chris. We are touched and appreciative that there are still many who care for these strays out there, regardless of their breed, origin or how they look.

Sandra (previous story on http://noahsarkcares.blogspot.sg/2012/05/strays-painful-days.html)

After a couple of chemo jabs, the growth on Sandra’s genitals has shrunk noticeably. However, the vet was rather concerned that Sandra’s frail body might not be able to take it and Sandra had to take a break for a couple of weeks. Since then, she has resumed her jabs and we will continue to monitor her condition closely. At the present moment, Sandra is still very reserved. We definitely do not know what she has been through, though we are still slowly trying to get her accustomed to humans and hope that she will gradually open up.

James (previous story on http://noahsarkcares.blogspot.sg/2012/06/survival-of-fittest.html)

James seems to be enjoying himself at his fosterer’s place, eating and sleeping well though he can be rather grouchy at times especially towards the other male dogs. The wound on his back is closing up nicely and it is currently the size of a small fist. Ever since his previous escape feat, he is now supervised and watched closely by his fosterers who are not going to lose him a second time!

Chris (previous story on http://noahsarkcares.blogspot.sg/2012/07/can-chris-leg-be-saved.html)

Many have expressed concern on whether Chris’ leg can be saved. The vet on his case has been very helpful and diligently updating us on his condition. We literally jumped for joy when she updated that Chris did not need amputation after all! As we often tell others, we have enough three-leggeds (or “tripods” as we affectionately call them) over at our sanctuary. The maggot wound “hole” is no longer as deep as his skin tissues have been rapidly regenerating and his recovery has been amazing.

Ironically, the vet mentioned Chris is slightly overweight! We burst out into laughter when we heard this. We understand that Chris is also a rather laid-back chap. At his age of six weeks old, he was supposed to be able to relieve himself but he kind of expected to be treated like a baby. Even though so, he was very much adored by all at the vet. They have since discharged Chris and he is with a fosterer. His leg has improved by leaps and bounds although the wound still requires a daily change of bandages. We are also looking for a forever home for this little bundle of joy. Do email us at noahsarkcares@gmail.com if you have the heart and space for Little Chris in your home, but unfortunately he is not going to be HDB approved.

We all thankful that these three rescue cases above turned out positively with smooth recoveries. However, we are constantly reminded of how many animals are still out there in the streets – without homes, as we still constantly venture into various industrial estates. When it’s a bright sunny day, the strays try to seek shelter wherever they can, even under trees where there will be ants, and drink any little bit of water they can find, clean or otherwise. When it rains and pours, they often hide under vehicles, shivering and cowering in the cold, hoping the rain will subside.

We strongly urge our friends, supporters and you whom is reading this, to love not only your own pets but also try your best to help the strays out there. The streets are not their home, definitely not by choice.

Can Chris' Leg Be Saved?

Ever tried walking barefooted on the hot asphalt road in the afternoon? Scorching isn’t it? Little Chris was found just there, amidst trash and wood pieces, while we were driving along some parked trailers. We would definitely have missed him, if it wasn’t for a passenger on board, or if there was a trailer still parked at that spot.

Note: The above location is exactly where Chris was found

but this picture was not taken at the point of rescue.

We did not know how Chris ended up there – was he dumped there due to his injury, or did he slowly move himself to where we found him. We also found it weird initially as to why he was just lying there on the ground. Our first thoughts upon spotting him were that he was no longer alive. At least remove his body we thought. But as we made another turn to check him out and stepped out of the car, we heard very faint whimpering. We concluded he must be dehydrated given the blazing weather.

We moved towards Chris, and flipped him over on his back wanting to carry him up. What we saw was extremely off-putting. Chris had a big and deep hole on his right front leg, with lots of maggots feeding on the wound. His leg was already horribly swollen, and we hurriedly scooped him up with a towel. One of us checked the surroundings and drain nearby but could not spot any other puppies. We rushed him to a friend’s place nearby first to give him some water. Surprisingly, Chris still managed a faint smile as if he knew he was in safe hands and would be receiving medical help soonest.

 

Once at the clinic, the vet immediately attended to Chris to clean his wound and put him on a drip. Chris was estimated to be a mere five weeks old, and whether his leg could be saved or not the vet was unable to advice at that point of time. The vet lightly pinched the paw on his affected leg but there was no response. We were very concerned as we knew this might mean an amputation in the worst case scenario but it would definitely take place at a much later stage if need be. Meanwhile, Chris was left at the vet.

We are appealing for a fosterer or adopter for Chris when he has recovered – this might seem a bit too early for now but as we do not have a shelter locally to hold our rescued dogs, we are always in need of fosterers. Additionally, we really appreciate any bit of contribution to Chris’ medical bills as the rescues have been pouring in but nonetheless, we will not deny medical treatment to any sick or injured stray we come across as long as we are able to get hold of them. Do email us at noahsarkcares@gmail.com if you are able to help in any way. Thank you.