Merlin’s Safe But His Problems Are Many
Ten days ago, two dogs arrived in Berkshire, having left behind a life of neglect and cruelty. Lacey and Merlin may have escaped the dark, tormenting place where suffering was all they knew, but they’ve brought with them many problems. The multiple physical and emotional injuries that have been inflicted during their years in the breeding industry will be with them both for some while yet.
I’ve been getting regular updates on them from the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre, and despite all their problems, both are sweet souls, slowly opening up to the DBARC team. Lacey’s surgery on her large, infected throat wound went well and she appears to be healing as expected. Merlin however has a worrying number of problems, and now the initial shock of hearing about these poor dogs has settled, I can share a few more details about Merlin for those who have been asking after him.
This week he underwent tests on his leg tumours, one of which is concerningly large. The veterinary team, together with Janet will decide on treatment as soon as results are available. There’s every chance amputation may be advised. As well as this, he had his first dental which revealed a mouth full of terribly worn down teeth, many of which needed removing. The pattern of damage to his teeth is highly suggestive of him repeatedly chewing on something hard and resistant, bars possibly in an attempt to get out of where he’d been kept for years. He’s likely to need further dental work in future.
His claws were severely damaged, again probably as a result of scrabbling to get out of where he was. When I was told this, a cold shiver ran through me as I imagined the poor boy shredding his frail but desperate body, hurting himself in vain, trying to free himself from his torment. His ears are badly infected, but should now respond to the treatment, relieving his obvious discomfort. He has severe dry eye, painful and left untreated for years which has badly affected his eyes. Merlin has another lump on his neck which may or may not be the same as his massive leg tumours, more will be known later. His skin is in a dreadful state with many sores. A lengthy treatment regime for parasites and skin care is well underway, and will be ongoing for quite a while yet.
But, despite all this awfulness, he’s a brave, compliant patient; he’s steadily trusting Julie, his main carer, gently coming forwards to her now rather than fearing human contact.
It’s taken me 24 hours to finish this update, as last night it was just a rage-driven diatribe against the industry that causes such suffering to innocent dogs. While it made me feel better to pour out my anger, it wasn’t publishable. Merlin deserves more respect than just my angry incoherent ramblings. He deserves people to know how he’s suffered in the nastiest, cruellest corner of the vast puppy breeding business. And he needs as much love and care as he can get. The DBARC team are ensuring he has this, plus everything else he requires so that his life can be his own, painfree, safe and the best possible from now on.
Merlin today at DBARC
On Sunday we’ll be walking at West Wittering in memory of Susie-Belle, and thoughts of Merlin and Lacey’s pain will be at the forefront of my mind. Just as the wicked industry caused Susie-Belle such suffering, so it continues for thousands of others. And I’m eternally thankful for the kindness and compassion of the DBARC team.
If you would like to donate to Susie-Belle’s Memorial Fund, all of which will go towards the care of Merlin and Lacey, you can do so by clicking HERE
