Tail of joy, dog saves kitten’s sight
THEY say it’s a dog eat dog world, but Great Dane Harlie put her best paw forward to save the sight of eight- week- old kitten Zephyr.
And as the nine- stone hound cosies up to the tiny feline, the pair look like nothing less than the best of friends.
Animal lover Jess Parr and her pet came to the rescue after seeing an appeal for blood donors to create a special sight- saving serum.
Zephyr and his two brothers had been seriously ill when they were found abandoned under a shed by a team from Liverpool’s Rescue Me Animal Sanctuary.
Steph Taylor, from the sanctuary, said: “They were all full of flu which had led to secondary pneumonia, horrific conjunctivitis with ulcerated eyes, ticks, severe flea infestation leading to anaemia and dehydration.”
After Zephyr failed to respond to eye drops, the vet suggested the unconventional approach.
Steph added: “The serum from Harlie was fairly unusual for us to use and we have never done it before.
“There are several types of conventional medicated drops, but as Zephyr was not responding to these our vet suggested it.
“We had heard of it once before when another rescue centre spoke about it and they had amazing results.
Drops
“We have four dogs at our HQ but sadly none were suitable blood donors due to their size, age or health problems, so we had to turn to the public for help... and along came Harlie.”
To make the serum, the liquid part of Harlie’s blood was turned into drops which help the surface of the eye to heal and prevent tissue breaking down.
And despite previously being “taunted” by the next door cat, the Great Dane showed her affectionate side and cuddled up to Zephyr.
Jess, who also has a Staffordshire bull terrier and two Shih Tzu Yorkshire terrier crosses, said: “We were a bit worried about how Harlie would react to Zephyr.
“She has never met a cat, except for the one next door that walks up and down the garden fence, just out of reach, taunting her.
“I just wanted to help really and I did ask the vet if they were sure dog blood would work.
“Harlie is a big clumsy dog but when she was with Zephyr she was so gentle – it was like her maternal instinct kicked in.
“After donating blood most people get a cup of tea and a biscuit, so we gave Harlie a big bone.”
Zephyr is set to be rehomed along with his brothers next week.
Foster carer Jess added: “It feels great to know that she has saved the little kitten’s sight.
“I love cats and would love to have one – if I didn’t have four dogs.”