Frodo - @ Tailends 27.05.07 - 25.08.07

Frodo - This large dark brown/black greyhound arrived at Tailends on Sunday 27th May 2007. He was rescued a week earlier along with two other dogs, Duke and Seth, from a shed where they had been living in terrible conditions. Duke was in such a bad state that he had to be put to sleep on veterinary advice. Seth was younger and soon found a wonderful home with people who adored him. Tragically his new-found happiness was short-lived as after just a few weeks with his new beloved family, he suffered a pulmonary embolism and died a few days later.

Frodo was such a gentle old boy and had such a grim life. He had never lived in a house before and was learning about all the comforts and freedom which would now be his. It was such a joy to watch him looking around and going in and out of the garden. This boy had never been for walks but was shut up in an unheated dirty shed for the whole day and night. His coat was in a very poor condition - hardly surprising considering how he had lived. We had him castrated to remove a large tumour in one testicle. His mouth was in such a disgusting state that many teeth had to be removed. The grey putrefying matter in these dogs’ mouths smelt absolutely foul and needed immediate attention. Frodo really was a delightful boy and was so very affectionate in spite of the way humans had treated him. He had very little sight but so enjoyed his walks on the beach and all the sounds and smells of the countryside. He put on over four kilograms in weight in his first two months at Tailends where he had the very best quality food, vitamin and glucosamine supplements.

Blood tests showed that Frodo had significant kidney failure so he was put on a renal support diet supplemented with a little chicken or fish. He began to exhibit reluctance to go for his walks, though he was still eating well enough. I took a urine specimen for testing and it revealed the presence of blood and casts. This could have been due to the kidney problem or a bladder infection. We put him on antibiotics for a week but there was little improvement so he had an ultrasound scan on Thursday August 23rd and another blood test. The blood test showed his creatin and urea levels were very slightly improved, but the scan revealed a tumour in his left kidney and the right one was shrunken and useless. Our vet told us this was entirely due to a long-standing infection which had not been treated. It was now too late for treatment and we knew Frodo had little time left. He was still eating well and was bright, so our vet said he could come home until his condition deteriorated. Sadly, just two days later, on the evening of Saturday 25th August Frodo became ill. We rang the vet and she came straight out. Our dear brave boy fell quickly into that deep painless sleep which took him from us forever. He had just three short months of comfort and love after a life of hardship and misery. He deserved better. He should have had a right to be cared for properly and to receive treatment when he needed it. The terrible suffering of so many dogs who have been bred for the racing industry is a disgrace. The management of this industry continually maintains that the retired dogs are well cared for and that there is no significant problem. Some dogs do find loving homes in their retirement but many more don’t. The hidden suffering of thousands of dogs every year is a national disgrace. I make no apology for using Frodo’s story to highlight the misery of these dogs whose stories are usually never known or told. If you really care, and are moved by the lives of Duke, Seth and Frodo then please do not support the industry for which they were bred. Greyhounds will continue to go on suffering until people stop supporting Greyhound racing.