Millie finds new home in time for 18th birthday!
WHEN Millie the terrier was found wandering in Cardiff last year, it was feared her days were numbered.
But now, after vets were persuaded to operate on her due to her “wonderful” nature, the black and tan cross is about to celebrate her 18th birthday.
With no owner to be found, Millie was rescued by Friends of Dogs Wales in 2017 and later cared for by the team at Valleys Vets in Cardiff.
On examination, the charity’s vets found she was suffering from a hernia and lumps were discovered on her glands.
Details from her microchip revealed that she was 17 – making her one of the oldest dogs on her vet practice’s books. She is deaf and toothless due to her age.
However, after meeting her future owner Julia Hilbourne while undergoing recovery, Millie is now enjoying a new life keeping her owner company while Julia takes care of her elderly mother.
Julia, from Cardiff, said: “I visit my mother each day to cook and take her out and about. I bring Millie with me every time and she is fantastic with her.
“Millie was also amazingly gentle with my father and gave him something to focus on.
“She likes to eat soft foods and as a treat I’ll give her pâté or mackerel. I do find myself doing some odd things to treat her – for example, I was cooking her basmati rice and salmon at 10pm and caught myself thinking what on Earth was I doing!”
Despite her recovery, Millie is now a regular visitor to Valley Vets where she receives laser therapy to treat her back spasms and monthly physiotherapy.
Julia said: “At first I thought I would be happy if she was with me for a year, but she is battling on month by month with the support and care of the team at Valley Vets.
“I truly believe she wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for their continuing care.”
Nichi Cockburn, practice manager and physiotherapist, said: “Julia has been a real blessing for Millie and her remarkable life continues thanks to her love and attention.
“With the advances in clinical care and veterinary help, we are seeing that dogs are living longer, and it is important owners keep an eye on their pet for signs of change in health and behaviour as they reach their twilight years.”