Twinklet Faces A New Challenge

Twinklet at the recent Susie-Belle Memorial Walk

Last summer the story of one dumped breeding schnauzer caught the interest of many thousands of people around the world. Twinklet was found with horrific injuries and taken into the care of Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre. Dogs Today Magazine featured her story and the Twinklets Smile Appeal raised enough money to ensure she got every ounce of specialist veterinary care she needed to start living her life as a ‘normal’ dog, not an abused breeding one. Her journey from awfulness to health has been a long one, ably assisted by her adopter, DBARC volunteer, Donna. And now, together, they’re about to face another difficult stage in the life of Twinklet. Donna told me what Twinklet’s facing next week…

From when Twinklet first came into DBARC’s care we’ve known she has problems with her eyes. However, this was a minor consideration compared to all her other injuries and problems. Over the past 6 months, she’s steadily recovered, had successful orthopaedic surgery on her dreadfully injured jaw, and her overall health and confidence has massively improved. This means she can now have the ophthalmic treatment she needs. We were delighted and relieved to be told by Mr Fraser that one of her eyes is fine and needs nothing doing to it. But the other one has a cataract, and little or no sight. This is certainly not helping her confidence, as she’s very wary of any movement on that side. If left, the cataract itself may well lead to worse problems such as glaucoma or other painful eye conditions.

So now it is time for her to undergo yet more treatment in the hope that the cataract can be removed, and sight to that eye restored. This is due to happen next week. Whilst no surgery is ever desirable or without risk,  we’re all comforted by the thought that this tiny and apparently delicate little Schnauzer is in fact a resolute survivor, not just of the near-death experience that led to her rescue, but also of all that followed. And whilst Twinklet’s own personal human is already worrying herself to bits about how it will all go, it is the very best thing we can do for Twinklet.

I know that we’ll all be keeping our fingers crossed, anxiously awaiting the outcome of Twinklet’s surgery next week. And be thankful that although she was dumped and left to die in that field last summer by her ‘breeder’, fate and the efforts of a lot of good people had different plans for this courageous dog. Once a dumped breeding schnauzer, now Twinklet has a bright, sighted new future ahead of her once she’s through next week’s surgery.

This kind of specialist veterinary care is very expensive. Cataract surgery costs around £2000 an eye. DBARC never duck the responsibility they feel towards the animals who arrive into their care. They go beyond the basics, to offer every animal the very best chance at a happy, healthy, safe life. This is costly dedication.

If you’d like to support the work of DBARC, donations can be made to their ‘Love Is In the Air’ Valentine’s Appeal.

Or, to the Schnauzerfest Fund which DBARC use specifically for rescued schnauzers.