Dog battles back from neglect and big health issue
A DOG saved from a life of neglect and abuse is beating the odds after being diagnosed with a serious disease.
Dudley, a 12-year-old springer spaniel, had been living in harsh and inadequate conditions with his previous owner.
He was rescued by Second Chance Rescue and homed with his new foster owner Denise Ashmole, who lives in Derby. In his previous life of only being given the bare minimum to carry on day-to-day, Dudley was fed a handful of dry pet food a day and used solely for breeding.
Once he started to show signs of health issues related to old age, he was cast off by his previous owner as they were no longer seeing his value. They posted online that if no one would adopt him he would be put down as the breeder did not wish to deal with the medical attention Dudley needed.
Despite now finding the loving home he deserved, Dudley was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy in June 2023, a serious disease that affects the spinal cord in dogs, causing progressive muscle weakness and loss of coordination. From his diagnosis, Dudley was given one year to live.
Denise, driven to do right by Dudley, instantly made sure he felt at home, giving him the life of comfort and relaxation he deserved. Nearly one year on Dudley appears to be beating the odds.
While there aren’t any cures or specific treatments for his condition, his vet has noticed improvements in his day-to-day health, an improved coat and energy levels since living in a healthy environment and eating a balanced, nutritious and speciesappropriate diet.
Denise said: “The difference between the Dudley sat by my side to when we first met is remarkable. We could clearly see the effects of his last home on him, he was smelly, dishevelled and scared to interact with anyone after his life of neglect and abuse.
“Now he has a smile that could light up the room, he’s always playing with his favourite toys, cuddling up on the couch and even helping me with the dishes as he makes sure to clean up his bowl at dinner time.”
After hearing about Dudley’s
SPRINGER SPANIEL GIVEN JUST ONE YEAR TO LIVE IS THRIVING WITH NEW OWNER DENISE
tragic past and his diagnosis, UKbased raw pet food and wellness company Bella & Duke pledged to provide him with a lifetime supply of food.
Denise said: “We’re eternally grateful to
Bella & Duke for providing Dudley his food, their dedication to do right by Dudley is heartwarming and I’m glad we’ve been able to give him a life well-loved.”
James Sturrock,
CEO at Bella & Duke, added: “We are delighted to hear about Dudley’s progress since his degenerative mjkyelopathy diagnosis. We know his past can’t be undone but supplying his food is the least we can do for him, he deserved better from his previous owner, but we know that with his new mum Denise, he’s living a life filled with love and affection, and we are delighted we can play just a small part in giving Dudley the life he deserves.”
The difference between the Dudley sat by my side to when we first met is remarkable.
Denise Ashmole