As a re-cap - he tested positive for leisch and also tick fever....his ears were caked in blood from sores that kept reopening, he was so itchy and his fur was just dull, falling out and dreadful. There is plenty of good news with this story of Chester, he is young and very happy! He has finished his 27 day leisch treatment and is now being treated for his tick fever. The photo below was taken 10 minutes ago - look at the difference!
Chester's eyes when we first had him were a very pale yellow - since treatment they are getting darker and his sight has improved. His gums were a pale grey....they are still a little pale but there is now colour coming back! The leisch treatment knocked him around a little so he did not have a huge appetite, but he is now slowly putting on weight. He is the height of my ridgeback but as you can see, he has a weight disadvantage when they play!
His ears that were caked in blood, may not have much fur on them but as you can see above there is only a tiny area now that remains crusty! His skin is still dry and I can pluck him like a chicken! But the tick fever treatment should help this and you can already see he is feeling better.
I let him out with my dogs when I have my cat safely in the house, I fear that he is a cat chaser and perhaps a bit more...I need time to work with him to see if he can be integrated with cats. He has met my partner's nephews and nieces - the kiddy test...he passed with flying colours. However he is a large, young and enthusiastic dog so I would suggest a new home with children over the age of 6 so they are not so easily knocked over by his waggy tail! He is a busy dog, not like my lazy ones who lounge in the sun/shade, he is on the move, playing with toys and entertaining himself or having a frolic with one of the others.
So what is next for Chester? I am looking for a new home for Chester, in the next few weeks, he will be castrated and have his injections for travel. He will make a very loyal and loving companion and I would love to find him his forever home.
I remain extremely grateful to everyone who has donated towards his medical bills to date and know that Chester would give you a sloppy kiss if he met you all! Meanwhile, a friend and myself will be running the half marathon on Easter Sunday in Castro Marim to raise funds for 2 animal charities - A.D.A.C.N.R and Their Voice Portugal. Please note that this is my first ever half marathon!
We are asking for sponsorship pledges, that will upon our completion of the 21 km be turned into cash for these deserving charities. If you would like to pledge sponsorship there are different ways - if you are a Facebook user - you can visit and post on the FB page set up - www.facebook.com/eveandhelenhalfmarathonefforts; you can also contact me by email eveclifton@gmail.com ...please state the amount and whether you would like to be named! Upon proof of completion we will then arrange collection of the lovely donations to then be split 50/50 between these charities. As I write this we have just under €600 pledged...we were aiming for €1000...however, it is not Sunday yet! Proceeds from this will also through A.D.A.C.N.R go to helping any future costs for Chester..so the pain will be worth it!
The sun is shining - Chester is smiling and we would like to wish everyone a very Happy Easter!
