Fundraising appeal to help sick senior dog

A tiny, elderly terrier who was so skinny she weighed a little more than a bag of sugar is being cared for by the RSPCA.

Ten-year-old Yorkshire terrier cross Edith was found abandoned out in the cold in a cat carrier in Gloucester in October (2021) and was rescued by the RSPCA.

Haley Medlock, from Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home, Gloucestershire, said: “Edith was in a really bad way when she arrived with us. She was severely underweight and suffering from cataracts, alopecia, umbilical and inguinal hernias, ear mites and dental disease. Vet tests found that she was also suffering from diabetes.

“She is a tiny breed but we were incredibly concerned to find she weighed just 1.2kg – that’s just a little more than a bag of sugar!”

Vets managed to stabilise her condition and began treatment for her diabetes with twice-daily insulin injections. Edith has gained weight and her health has improved and, once she was stronger, she had surgery for her hernias and teeth.

Staff were happy with Edith’s progress but, in March, everyone was incredibly concerned when Edith took a turn for the worse.

Haley added: “We rushed Edith to the emergency vets and discovered she’d developed pancreatitis. She needed three days on fluids, pain-relief and antiemetics as her blood glucose was difficult to control. We were all incredibly concerned and feared that she wouldn’t pull through but she’s a fighter and she wasn’t ready to give up!

“Thankfully she’s now on the mend and her fosterers are monitoring her blood glucose levels at home with a special monitor and phone app. They’re keeping a close eye on her!”

Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home is now appealing to the public for help to cover the extensive costs of Edith’s veterinary treatment and care which is currently topping £2,600 – with monthly medication costs of around £170.

Staff are also hoping to find the sweet little terrier a new permanent home.

Haley added: “Edith is a happy little poppet, despite everything she’s gone through. She loves to curl up on your lap for a snooze and enjoys barking at the birds!

“Her new owners will need to be willing to continue to monitor her glucose closely and must commit to the healthcare she needs for the rest of her life.

“She needs a calm and quiet home with owners who will understand her age and her health, but are happy to show her all of the love and affection that she deserves after everything she’s been through.”

To help Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home please donate online or sponsor one of the centre’s residents.