Arfa - TAILENDS 17.12.05 – 08.11.06

Arfa (AKA “Little Boy”) arrived at Tailends on December 17th 2005. He had been rescued from death row at Huddersfield dog pound and taken to Northants Greyhound Rescue and from there to Devon and Tailends. Arfa was a small blue lurcher boy and had a number of health issues when he arrived. He was extremely thin and wobbly on his legs. His mouth was in a dreadful state and he needed to have nearly all his teeth removed, leaving him just three remaining. His heart was enlarged and he had muscle wastage in the hip area. He also had cataracts in both eyes. A scan revealed that his kidneys were very knobbly and abnormal in appearance and a urine test revealed high levels of infection. His prostate was enlarged and basically things did not look to good for this boy.

However, once Arfa had received the best of veterinary care, he was very much improved. His prostate was treated successfully with regular Tardac injections. He became stable on Vetmedin heart tablets and all infection cleared from his urinary tract following a long course of antibiotics. Regular good quality food got rid of that thin emaciated look and suitable exercise improved his muscles. Arfa soon weighed over 20 kilograms and a urine test on 6th April was clear of problems so we were very pleased.

Arfa was slightly senile and probably had little hearing. However he did enjoy his life here and was always keen to go off on his walks. He absolutely adored George and shouted in delight when he returned from work. Arfa could not manage long walks, but liked to go with Bluebell for a leisurely saunter around the fields and lanes. Then he had his breakfast or dinner and off to sleep until the next walk. Arfa had three coats to wear at Tailends. He had a warm winter coat which was blue with a red trim and also a summer Mac in the same colours for rainy days. Arfa was sent a lovely fleecy indoor coat by the Coldies and Oldies Project (run by the TRDP organisation) to wear on cold winter days and nights. We are very grateful to the Sighthounds On Line website for putting us in touch with these lovely people, who do so much to help with the care of dogs in Arfa’s situation. Arfa also loved to be wrapped up at night even if it is not particularly cold. It probably made him feel more secure. We would like to thank Pat Powell for the lovely soft but light duvets which she made. Arfa loved his and went straight to sleep when we covered him up with it. He was frightened of the dark, so we used a nightlight to give him more confidence when he woke up and became worried when all his former nightmares returned to haunt him. Thank you to Judy for sending us the nightlights for Arfa. He slept securely and easily thanks to her kindness.

We will never know exactly what Arfa’s life was like before he was taken to the dog pound but I am sure he was sadly neglected and never knew much comfort. He was safe here and received all the care he needed for the rest of his life. His dementia was steadily progressing but he was still a happy little chap and enjoyed his life until the last few days when his confusion became very advanced.

My Little Boy fell asleep forever on Wednesday 8th November at around noon. He had recently become more disturbed and I realised that his mental condition had deteriorated and that he no longer recognised those around him. He started to become very frightened especially during the night and cried out as he did not understand where he was and a reassuring cuddle no longer gave him comfort. Reluctantly I rang my vet and she came out to see Arfa. She examined him and it was decided that it would be the kindest thing to let dear Arfa fall asleep quietly at home on his bed. He knew nothing as the needle helped to give him peace from his confusion. He died in my arms surrounded by other dogs who had been his companions here. Life will never be the same again without my little boy. Dear Arfa, I know the angels are looking after you now that you have had to leave our care. I miss you so very much.