Pingu’s new leash on life
Miserable and unable to walk properly, 2-year-old Pingu was brought into the Wellington SPCA earlier this year.
The dog left healthy and happy – but missing a leg.
The pup had a difficult start to life and ended up at the SPCA a couple of months ago with one of its back legs dangling due to a dislocated hip.
Vet nurse – and a temporary foster mum to Pingu – Sam Robbins said it was decided to amputate the dog’s back right leg.
‘‘He couldn’t walk on it and he had a lot of muscle wastage on that side since he hadn’t been using it,’’ she said.
Pingu went under the knife on October 14 and since then has bounced back.
‘‘He’s doing incredibly,’’ Robbins said. After his surgery, Pingu was monitored closely during the day at the SPCA but every night he’d head home with Robbins so she could keep an eye on him.
She said the ‘‘happy, smiley’’ dog was up and about within days.
‘‘I have another dog, Roo, at home and they started walking together as soon as he could.’’
Since Pingu came in with a dislocated hip, he was already used to walking on three legs and adapting after the surgery came easily.
Pingu would need a few weeks to recover properly, she said, especially since he’d need to build some muscle in his legs.
But before too long he’d be up for adoption, on the lookout for a forever home.
Robbins said having three legs wouldn’t be a barrier to adoption – Pingu would be able to move easily but would need to rest more often than other dogs.
She couldn’t comment on how he came to be at the SPCA since his case was in front of the inspectorate but did say you’d never be able to tell he had a hard start to life. ‘‘He’s always ready for a cuddle.’’ Robbins and her dog Roo were currently prepping to take part in the Great NZ Paws Walk, a fundraiser for the SPCA.
Pingu wouldn’t be ready to take part in this year’s walk but she hoped he would be ready for next year.
The walk is held nationwide and this year the SPCA aims to raise $150,000.
The Wellington version of the walk will begin at 10.30am on November 9 at the SPCA centre at 140 Alexandra Rd, Newtown.
To register or to find out more about the Great NZ Paws Walk, visit greatpawswalk.co.nz.