Archived Documents 2nd Quarter 2008

Update 29 June 2008...

Howard - My dear little boy died peacefully on Wednesday 25th June at 6.15 pm. I knew he had only a short time here after being diagnosed with advanced cancer in his kidneys and prostate gland. I had hoped that his time would be counted in weeks but he was only to have just 18 days. He left us six days after little Dolly. The grief is so hard to bear. I doubt if Howard had received much kindness until he came here and he deserved more time. He loved it here and was always ready for a walk along the footpath to the fields. He would skip along with his tail in the air and his stiff hind legs jumping together in his eagerness to enjoy every minute of his time. He was so good with all the other dogs and was so happy and confident, fitting in with the Tailends routines and loving his choice of comfortable beds. He tried a different one each day. Gradually he became reluctant to eat and I had to tempt him with all sorts of things. He ate some warm freshly cooked lamb on the evening before he died and really seemed to enjoy it. The next day he did not want to go out but seemed very lethargic. He slept deeply and did not seem to be in pain. However as the day wore on I realised he was coming to the end and rang the vet who later confirmed that Howard's organs were shutting down as the disease entered its final stage. He died watching the birds as they hopped around in the grass. He did not suffer but passed quietly from this world. We all miss him very much even though his time was short. He was so gentle and loving and had suffered so much in his hard past. Night Night Howard. I will see you again one day. Until then those other Tailender spirits will guide and care for you.

Thank you to everyone who sent gifts of food etc for Howard. I know he was so grateful.

Midsummer Madness Greyhound Walk & Garden Party, Stoke Bruerne, Northants - 22 June Sunshine, gorgeous greyhounds, some smaller four legged friends and lots of very kind and generous people made the Garden Party a great success. After a gentle walk across the fields and through the wood, we returned to relax in the garden for a very memorable tea and lots of greyhound fun and chat. It was such a pleasure to have these wonderful dogs and owners around, and as a result we were thrilled to have raised £1000, to be shared equally between Northants Greyhound Rescue and Tailends. Due to popular demand we hope to do it all again next year. Thanks again to everybody – a marvellous afternoon. Alison and Maz

Alison and Marian worked so hard to make the Garden Party at Stoke Bruerne last Sunday such a great success. I am so very grateful to them for raising such a magnificent sum for Tailends at a time when our very limited resources have been put under intense pressure. I can never thank you enough for organising and running this wonderful event. Angela.

Braunton Dog Training Club - Companion Dog Show In Aid of Tailends - 26 July at Brimlands, Ilfracombe. Entries cost £1.00 and begin at 11:00 am, and there will be rosettes for 1st - 6th place. For further information and Schedules, please ring 01769 560014.

A new poem has just been added to the end of the list, please click the link to read it along with some other delightful offerings. If you would like a poem about your companion animal dog, cat, horse, guinea pig, rabbit or any other. There are details at the foot of the poems page, detailing the steps to take. The poems are written by Judy Zatonski a friend and supporter of Tailends.

Update 23 June 2008...

Howard has settled in very well and has been trying out all the dog beds in the different rooms. He is always ready for a walk. I do not think he has had many nice times in his life. However I am rather concerned as his appetite has completely gone in spite of tempting him with fresh chicken, tuna fish and all sorts of goodies which kind people have sent. He was starting to eat quite well but is now not interested in anything. I am going to discuss it with my vet later today and see if there is something else we can try.

Jack has been doing so well since his surgery and is now bouncing around like a puppy - especially when he thinks it is time for his walk or he sees me preparing food in the kitchen. He really has a new lease of life and is a very different dog now that he has settled here and has gained confidence. He is totally relaxed and a real character. He just proves that old dogs who have never known anything but life in a kennel can adapt easily once they get their share of home comforts.

Emma - I have kept Emma mainly on the lead since she came here in February. I have let her off a few times on the beach early morning without too much trouble. However this morning I let her off the lead and she decided to race around the beach with Denise at high speed and up into the dunes where she subsequently collapsed. She was rushed to the vet by 8am where she was anaesthetised and was found to be running a temperature of 108 degrees. She recovered after being given oxygen but our vet found that she has laryngeal paralysis - just like Jack did. Emma will now need costly surgery to pin back the larynx to ensure this does not happen again, especially with the possibility of hot weather arriving. The Tailends account has been struggling to cope with the large vet bills which have been incurred lately and any contributions towards Emma's surgery will be very welcome. Whatever happens I will ensure that she receives the best possible care to allow her to enjoy her retirement for as long as possible.

Mollie is doing very well following her recent eye grafts. She returns to the Exmouth vet in a couple of weeks for further checks on her left eye. The right eye is completely healed now and her sight is excellent. Hopefully it will not be long before she can be signed off from the ophthalmologist's care though she will still be taken to our own vet regularly for glucose curves to ensure that her diabetes remains stable.

Thank You - I would like to thank everyone who has sent gifts of food, treats etc for Howard and the other dogs here. It is all very much appreciated. Also those very kind souls who have worked hard making wet coats or covers which will all be put to good use. I do not advertise on this site but I do have to give a big thank you to a dog food company who have made a very generous offer to supply us with the High Oat food which is ideal for older dogs and especially those with digestive disorders and diabetics like Molllie. Thank you to Burns Pet Nutrition for helping us in this way. I am very grateful for all the help we are given in whatever form it takes. Without your support I could not continue to help these needy dogs. I must also give another huge thank you to Dave Lee for giving us this wonderful website and maintaining it so brilliantly and also to Judy Zatonski for her tireless support in so many things - not least the massive job of running our sponsor scheme which is such a success, due to a lot of hard work by this dedicated lady.

Update 20 June 2008...

Dolly - My dear little Dolly passed away yesterday (June 19th 2008). It was a terrible shock as she had been doing so well since her illness at the beginning of March. There was no warning that her cancer had progressed to its final stage. She had been enjoying her walks through the fields and jumped around happily in the sunshine. She had slept well through the night and took her treat when I left her to take the fittest dogs on the beach early yesterday morning. However when it was her turn for a walk she was very lethargic and had to be taken back to her bed. She did not want any breakfast and preferred to sleep. I soon realised that this was no ordinary sleep and called the vet who came out straight away. There was nothing which could be done but give her one last cuddle as she was helped to slip away peacefully to join all the others who have left this world for a better place. Tweenie has been very quiet since losing her little friend and sadness has come again as we mourn our sweet girl. She came here on 28th July 2007 so had less than a year at Tailends. I will remember her as a happy bouncy girl who enjoyed every minute of her time here - a far cry from the depressed doleful character who waited in a dog pound just a year ago, not knowing what her fate would be. I am sure you are playing right now in the green fields where the sun always shines and the buttercups never die. We will meet again one day, dear Dolly. Keep having fun untl I get there.

Update 11 June 2008...

Howard is an old black staffie cross who arrived at Tailends on Saturday 7th June 2008 from a Lancashire dog pound where he was due to be put to sleep on this date, when his statutory week was up. He had been picked up by the dog warden and it is thought he had been a stray for some time. He is a very affectionate old chap who is very friendly towards other dogs. He was taken to the vet on Monday 9th June for a check and blood tests. I also took a urine specimen as I was concerned that there may be a problem. The urine was very weak and contained both blood and a high leukocyte concentration. The blood tests showed that he had damage to his liver, kidneys and possibly pancreas. It was decided to do a scan on the following day to find out if there was cancer present, and if he was clear he could then be castrated to remove a testicular tumour and also a small growth under his eye. He also had stitches in his ear which had never been removed and our vet thought that they had been in for a considerable time, making his ear very sore. These were removed when he was scanned. Howard also has arthritis in his rear hips and knees.

Sadly poor Howard does have cancer in both kidneys and his prostate gland, which is very enlarged. The vet did not therefore castrate him but, after discussion, it was decided that he should come home to live out his final days with the comforts and care which he had been deprived of in the past. He is a happy chap and is eating well and enjoying his walks over the fields. He runs and skips in spite of his very stiff back legs. He sleeps well at night and does not seem to be experiencing pain or discomfort other than drinking more than normal. Howard will be monitored closely as I will not let him suffer. I have no idea how long he will have, maybe a few weeks, maybe only days. What is his story I wonder? We will never know. He will obviously not be put on the sponsor list but if anyone wants to send him a little treat or a special meal he will be delighted. He is such a sweet boy and life has not been kind to him. I will do everything to make his last days happy and comfortable.

Arwen - the brilliant news is that Arwen's mass was benign, so now that she has been spayed, she can really enjoy her life here. She goes to the beach each morning and loves every minute of it. The first time she saw the sea she just froze in astonishment. Then she just stood staring art the views all around her in disbelief. She also loves the fields as they are full of rabbits playing in the long grass. She just cannot believe what she is seeing. She has only been here just over a week but has made amazing progress and is now so relaxed and content to choose a nice bed and curl up and sleep. In the beginning she was too nervous to come indoors without a lot of persuasion but now follows me around and is interested in everything. At last she can enjoy her retirement after a life of racing and then producing litter after litter of pups for a greedy industry.

Emma has recently suffered pain in her back when walking. X-rays showed that this is due to bulging of a spinal disc. She seems fine now after a period of rest and anti-inflammatories. She has blossomed since being here and is now a good weight and a picture of health.

Denise - I am a little concerned that Denise may have some neurological problem. Her behaviour can be erratic and she recently became confused on her walk and did not appear to know where she was or who I was. There is little that can be done (other than an expensive MRI scan) but I will continue to monitor her and if necessary discuss options for treatment to help her. Most of the time she is perfectly happy and contented with no obvious health problems. She has put on weight since she has been here and is such a lovely girl. She just tends to get a bit over-exuberant at times.

We are hoping to help an old greyhound currently in a Hampshire dog pound. He is emaciated and in need of veterinary care so we are hoping he can come to Tailends very soon.

Update 3 June 2008...

Arwen is an 11 year old black greyhound bitch who has been used for breeding in Ireland since her racing career ended.  She was handed over by a trainer with a number of younger greyhounds when they were no longer wanted.  We heard about her from Mary Jane at Orchard rescue and then set about arranging for her to be brought over to Tailends.  We owe a huge debt of thanks to Ian and Wendy Callaghan from Cornwall who very kindly agreed to undertake this arduous 30 hour journey to collect Arwen.  They deserve a medal for endurance as they must have been exhausted by the time they got home.  Arwen arrived at Tailends at about 6pm on Monday 2nd June.  She was extremely nervous of people but is improving all the time and gradually gaining confidence.  She was amazed at the views over the fields when she went for her walk this morning and stared in disbelief at the rabbits playing in the grass.  She is such a lovely girl but I think she has had a difficult life.  She is booked in at the vet on Thursday for a check and spaying.  She will also need a dental.  She seems to have arthritis in her back legs.  I will post further updates on the website regarding her progress.

Cottage Rescue - A Big Thank You...

This is a rescue which was set up just over 2 years ago in Tipperary, Ireland.  They are doing a brilliant job caring for and rehoming all sorts of homeless animals to a very high standard.  We would like to thank them for taking in Arwen when she needed them and looking after her before she came to Tailends.  Hannah drove Arwen the 2 hour journey to Rosslare early on Monday morning to meet Ian and Wendy as they arrived on the ferry and we are very grateful to her as we appreciate how busy she is. Here's their website.

K9 Cookies...

Here's a great way to give your best friend a treat, as well as help us to raise much-needed funds. Available via an eBay store, K9 Cookies donate a percentage of the profit made from sales to Tailends. Follow this link to investigate further - thanks.

Update 30 May 2008...

Special Request - Tailends is particularly short of cool summer covers for the memory beds now that the weather has turned warmer and the winter fleeces have been put away for the autumn. We need covers the following sizes:-

• 44inches by 54 inches (We have a total of 10 in this size)
• 34inches by 44 inches (We have 3 in this size)
• 24 inches by 34 inches (We have 2 in this size)

These are the size of covers needed as I have already taken into account the thickness of the foam. They need to withstand continual washing but be cool for the dogs on hot days. I find press studs tend to pop open easily so deep envelope closures are ideal or long strips of velcro along the edge. The opening must be the full width of the cover as the beds are quite rigid and are difficult to put on if there is restricted opening. Thank you so much to the dedicated seamstresses who help us keep the dogs warm in winter and cool in summer. I really appreciate all your hard work. I now find the memory beds are the most comfortable and are chosen by the dogs in preference to all other beds. They are brilliant for arthritic joints and aching backs. We have been asked to take several dogs recently and are waiting for people to get back to us on this. As soon as any new dog arrives at Tailends we will let everyone know. If you hear of any dog (particularly greyhounds) who has had a bad time and would be suitable to come here please ring me for a chat or email details. We do not usually take healthy fit dogs who have lived indoors and could be rehomed in the normal way.

Jack is doing brilliantly now he has recovered fully from the surgery to open his larynx enabling him to breathe more easily. He had the staples out last week and is happy, eating well and loves his walks. He is still underweight but is improving slowly. He is such an affectionate old chap and has settled very well after everything he has been through.

Mollie is also recovering well for the surgery to insert grafts into her left eye. It is so unfortunate that poor Mollie had this further complication but the vet has assured me that it is totally unrelated to her surgery in December. Her right eye is now fine and we are hoping that the left one will heal again very soon. She goes for restricted walks but seems happy and interested in everything going on. She loves her food but is now getting a bit tubby so she is on a restricted diet to ensure that her weight does not become a problem.

Update 16 May 2008...

Jack - on Saturday 11th May, Jack collapsed just a few yards from the back gate. He suffered from laryngeal paralysis - which had been getting worse with the warm weather in spite of fans, wet coats etc. His breathing was dreadfully laboured, his tongue was blue and I thought it was the end. I managed to get him to my vet, with the help of some very kind people who were on holiday in the area. The journey seemed to take forever with all the traffic on the roads heading for the coast.  I was in turmoil thinking that at any moment his breathing would fail. On arrival he was put on oxygen and then on a drip. Thankfully he started to improve. He was already booked in for surgery to pin back his larynx on Thursday this week but it was decided to bring the operation forward in view of his condition. He was transferred to the new Roundswell hospital on Monday afternoon, but again he suffered trauma and was struggling to breathe on the journey. The animal ambulance driver stopped at Bridge House clinic and he was anaesthetised in preparation for immediate emergency surgery that evening which was carried out at Roundswell Veterinary Hospital by Simon Thompson, the head small animal surgeon of the Charter Group. The good news is that, after a worrying night, Jack improved and on Wednesday was considered fit enough to be brought home. He is eating well and went out for a little stroll in the fields this morning. He is so happy to be home and now he has no more difficulty in breathing.  He will return to the vet on Wednesday next week for removal of the staples.

Mollie has been at the ophthalmic clinic in Exmouth for a week now having intensive treatment for an abscess and associated infection deep in her left eye.  The vet said it could have happened to any dog and was nothing to do with her eye surgery in December.  He did not know what had caused the problem, but said that it was something which appeared very suddenly without warning.  She is doing very well and is bright and happy.  Surgery is being performed today (15th May) to insert two grafts into the eye.  Hopefully she will be home by the weekend.  I would like to thank Ronnie Calegari for doing all the transporting of Mollie to Exmouth and back and also Jim Carter for his skills and care in treating her.

Update 12 May 2008...

Now that the photographic competition has finished, you might like to follow this gallery link and see all the excellent entries that were received. The competition raised a grand total of £380, which means tailends will receive £190 of much needed funds. If you would like to view the winning entries, please click on this link. Many thanks to everyone for their support. If you didn't take part in the competition, but would like to support Tailends, you can always use PayPal to send a donation - see the PayPal button on the menu bar on the right.

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Don't forget the Sponsored Walk on 18th May at Crediton, Devon.  See EVENTS page for more details.

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Update 11 May 2008...

Amos - It is very painful to have to write to tell you that my beloved Amos died very suddenly on Sunday May 4th. I know everyone who met him or even followed his story was moved by the courage and determination of this very special boy. I knew the cancer was back after a year in remission but I still hoped that he would have a little more time with me. He was eating well and sleeping soundly in his favourite cosy bed at night. He often spent the mornings with Poppy in the sun lounge stretched out one of the memory beds there. He went for shorter walks during the last three weeks but only a few days before that day, he managed to walk down to the beach via the footpath across the field. He paddled in the stream and looked at the sea - for the last time.

He asked for his dinner a little earlier than usual and tucked into it demolishing every scrap of his favourite roast beef and nature diet. Then, when I was putting a harness on Jack, he came to the door and wanted to come with us. He went through the back gate onto the path and then started to behave strangely and froth was coming from his mouth. I got him back into the garden where he collapsed under the pear tree. I could not get him indoors so got a duvet and pillows and made him comfortable. Gloria stayed close to him as we waited for the vet to arrive. She put her foot gently onto his back as if asking him to get up. The vet came within half an hour, during which time I had given Amos a sedative to ensure he was not distressed. It was the most dreadful time of my life knowing that I was about to lose my best and closest friend, whose loyalty far exceeded anything I could ever know from another human. Drops of rain started to fall as Amos took his last breath and as the car carrying him on his last journey drove away the rain fell in torrents for 15 minutes. It seemed that the heavens were crying too for this terrible loss. I will soon take another dog who needs my help but I will continue to grieve for my boy as long as I live. Life without you is so very difficult. Fly with the angels now dear Amos and take care of our sweet Charlie who went just three days before you. You fought this disease so bravely but in the end it defeated you. I will see you again my dear in a far better place where there will be no more tears.

Mollie - On Monday 5th May, I noticed two white areas in Mollie's left eye when I put her Acular drops in. On Tuesday morning I rang Jim Carter who is the ophthalmologist who performed surgery on her eyes in December 2007. I could not arrange transport to Exmouth on that day and he was not there on Wednesday so I got her to my own vet immediately. She gave me some ointment and said the eyes were badly infected either by bacteria or perhaps a fungal infection was also present. She advised seeing the eye specialist asap. Ronnie arrived early on Thursday morning to take Mollie to Exmouth to see Jim who diagnosed an ulcerated cornea and infection damage deeper in the eye. We have no idea how this happened. Jim said it could have been anything. Maybe she got some sand in from the beach - who knows. However he admitted her straight away and she in having drops put in every 20mins, day and night. She is missed here but she is in the right place where she can receive the latest treatment and everything is being done to save her eye. Jim rang me last night to say that she was very much improved and the eye looked a lot better, so I am cautiously optimistic that all will be well. The good thing is that the right eye is completely normal and she has good sight in that one whatever the outcome. She will remain at the Exmouth clinic until Jim feels that she is improved enough to return to Tailends. This has been a disappointing setback as her final appointment had been booked for next week, but with a diabetic dog like Mollie I have to expect a few problems along the way. Please keep Mollie in your thoughts at present.

Jack - has been doing very well, putting on weight and so much more relaxed than when he came. He is used to all the routines and is such a good boy. However Jack has one big problem! His bilateral laryngeal paralysis is now severely affecting his quality of life as the warmer weather progresses. He is making horrible noises in an effort to breathe when it is hot. I use fans and wet coats but I cannot bear to see him like this. Yesterday I decided that I was going to have to either agree to put him to sleep or have major surgery done to open up his airways. I think he deserves a chance and I have booked him in for the operation next Thursday with Simon Thompson, the head small animal vet with the Charter vet group. I hope I have made the right decision and it will be a very stressful time for me. The responsibility is overwhelming but I have to face it and do what I think is right. Please also keep Jack in your thoughts, particularly on Thursday.

Update 6 May 2008...

Charlie - My big gentle "special needs" boy passed away from this world on May 1st at 3.30pm. He started to suffer fits at the end of October 2007 and had recently been put on Epiphen, which initially seemed to keep him stable. However the fits had recently become more frequent and Alison, our vet, thought they were likely to be caused by a brain tumour as he had not previously been an epileptic dog. Since the series of fits on Friday April 18th, Charlie seemed to recover but was not enjoying his walks and became very slow. During the night of April 30th he suffered another fit from which he did not recover but was left bewildered, restless and disturbed. I gave him rectal diazepam and increased Epiphen but it had little effect. Eventually I gave him a stronger sedative which did at last give him peace until the vet arrived. I hope he heard me as I spoke to him as he left Tailends on his journey to another place. I miss him very much. It was so painful to say goodbye to this sweet character who had been here since December 23rd 2005. I know everyone who met Charlie will remember this poor disturbed lad who had suffered so much in his life. He was covered in scars - both physical and mental - from being savagely attacked in a kennel in Scotland before coming to Devon. Sweet dreams Charlie boy. I know the other friends which you made here and have gone before you will now be looking after you as I can no longer do. Until we meet again...

Update 21 April 2008...

Charlie suffered a number of fits during the morning of April 18th. The vet advised me to increase the dose of epiphen and to use a rectal syringe of sedative also. He has been very disorientated during the weekend - which may be partly due to the increased sedation. However now the dose is reduced and I am hoping he will return to normal soon. I am horribly aware that Charlie may be suffering from advanced brain disease. I can only hope and pray that Charlie recovers and I do not have to make that terrible decision to let him go. He is such a sweet old boy.

Ben became ill last week and had to be taken to the vet where a further blood test was done. The Cushings has badly affected his immune system and his skin had become sore and infected. He was also unable to keep food down. I am delighted to report that after a week of antibiotics and fuciderm cream, he is now completely back to normal and is really enjoying his walks in the sunshine through the fields.

Dolly sometimes has a bad day, but most of the time she is quite happy, eating well and eager to go for her walks. I am only feeding her Royal Canin Sensitivity Control tinned food as this seems to suit her delicate digestion. I add a little scrambled egg in the morning and some fresh chicken for her dinner. I gave her a hair cut recently as her coat easily becomes matted so she is looking nice and smart and must also feel more comfortable and ready for the summer heat.

Amos is gradually showing signs of his age and I fear there is a chance that the possible chondro sarcoma in his nasal passages is progressing. His back legs are also becoming weaker so I am not taking him for such long walks though he is always keen to go out and often accompanies other old and frail residents on their walks as he is totally trustworthy and does not need to be on a lead. I believe he should do what he wants - within reason. Amos is a sensible old chap and I just love him to bits. He is such a loving boy who comes to me for a cuddle when he is feeling a bit low. How I am going to face losing this very special old boy I do not know. However for now we will just live a day at a time and enjoy the spring sunshine.

Emma was spayed last Tuesday and all is well. She was a little subdued for a day or two but has now recovered. I will take the stitches out next Friday. Emma is such a happy girl. She has a positive animated personality and is always eager to please. She is only allowed off lead for short times as she does have a tendency to forget everything in her excitement to explore her new environment and I do not want her to get lost in the dunes. Hopefully in time she will learn to stay within earshot when off lead.

The annual Canine Friends Raffle Tickets are available now from Tailends.  Let me know if you would like a couple of books to sell to raise much-needed funds for Tailends. Thanks.

Update 5 April 2008...

For Sale - A limited number of small mounted drawings of Ted and also of Ronnie have been donated by Melanie Shepherd.  Please email Tailends if you would like one in return for a donation.

Spring 2008 Newsletter - If you would like a copy please contact Tailends with your address. It is too large to put on the website.

Please remember to check out the Events page, as new entries have been added!

Please note: All previous news items, are to be found on the Archive pages.