Ted - Tailends 17.11.07 – 15.01.08

Ted is a medium sized crossbreed dog who arrived at Tailends on Saturday 17th November 2007.  He came to us via Coryn of Rochdale Dog Rescue after he had spent his statutory week in the dog pound and was due to be put to sleep on Saturday 17th as he had nowhere to go.  He is extremely emaciated and very bewildered.  His previous owner was allegedly a drug user and Ted was usually left to roam the streets and not fed for days on end.  He was apparently left in the house when it was accidentally set on fire, so this dog has really been through very bad times.  He is such a sweet dog and not senile but so shaken up by all that has happened to him.  It has been suggested that his owners also gave him drugs when they were using illegal substances.  It is hard to imagine what this dog has gone through.

He was checked by our vet on Monday 19th November and had a blood test which just showed what we would expect – anaemia, raised leucocytes and liver enzymes etc.  Ted needs lots of TLC and reassurance along with feeding routines and plenty of rest.  It will take time for this poor dog to feel relaxed and enjoy life.  He is at least comfortable, warm and fed nutritious food.  He is unable to eat much at a time but we will get there hopefully.  He has made improvements in his first week and I am hoping that we can help Ted to find happiness at last.

Ted began to settle into the Tailends’ routines and really enjoyed his walks to the beach and back over the dunes.  He could not be let off the lead but was happy with the 26ft or so of the extending lead, which enabled him to run and explore the nearby rabbit holes without getting lost.  I was very aware that Ted was brain damaged but hoped it could be managed to let him have some joy and comforts after so much hardship.

Ted was quite contented until Sunday 13th January 2008 and it soon became obvious he was deteriorating fast.  He had been enjoying his comforts and the walks on the beach.  His tail went up and he jumped in joy when he got to the beach on the walks.  He ran to the full extent of the extending lead and was happy and pain free.  However on Monday night he kept crying and did not want his food.  His eyes looked very disturbed and I began to realise that nothing could be done to help him.  He had received a thorough examination with blood tests and x-rays to ensure there was nothing physically wrong.

Sadly it became apparent that his brain was permanently damaged - maybe through continual neglect or being given drugs - we will never be sure.  Just before 3pm on Tuesday 15th January little Ted closed his eyes and fell asleep forever.  He was cosy in his little bed and knew nothing as Alex, the vet gave the injection which was to release him from all his troubles.   He knew nothing about it and slipped away from us very quickly and without a sound.  I am left terribly sad at the loss of this poor little boy who was here such a short time.  Ronnie and Ted came to Tailends together and now both have gone.  Ronnie due to advanced cancer and Ted through advanced brain damage.  We did our best for both of them and they will never be forgotten.  They had a little joy and a lot of love after a life of sadness and neglect.  They are now together again beyond our sight.

Thank you to everyone who sent treats and gifts for Ted at Christmas and Jan who sent him a lovely warm coat which will be used by another needy soul in due course.  He loved his treats and all his food.  He did have some happy weeks but sadly they were cut short far too soon.