Teddy in the early days in his lovely foster home with Kimberley
In early March, an elderly, stray schnauzer was taken in by Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary. He was in a poor state and it was clear that he had several health conditions. He wasn’t microchipped and his owners were not able to be located. Bleakholt has many decades experience in providing excellent rescue and sanctuary for vulnerable animals, Teddy was in safe hands.
Immediate veterinary care was arranged for him. He was admitted to hospital and underwent a number of tests and investigations. He was quiet, depressed and weak. It was found that his dental health was poor, and he was suffering from vestibular disease. A common and distressing disease in elderly dogs. It results in a depressed mental status, loss of strength and coordination. It can be managed with correct diagnosis and treatment.
Teddy’s eyes were also badly infected and affected by severe ‘dry eye’. This is a highly unpleasant condition, which casues painful, inflamed irritated eyes. There’s often a thick, yellowish, discharge present and Teddy showed all this, made worse by bad matting of the hair on his face.
He was in serious need of care, love and attention.
Bleakholt ensured that Teddy got all that he needed to move from the sanctuary and into a long term foster home with Kimberley. The first weekend he developed sickness and other tummy problems. He required hospital admission for a couple of days to get him stable and on track again.
Today we’ve had an uplifting update from Kimberley on how Teddy has settled in.
“He is finally doing well! Ted is I’m sure deaf and his right eye is still sore but he definitely can see and follows me into the kitchen every time looking for food! His appetite is back and loves chicken!
He has been on a few walks where he has been spritely and he is building his muscles up and is now able to go up and down steps. He is the happiest by the log burner every night. He’ s still on his medication so I’m hoping that he will go on getting stronger. We really can see the difference in him! ”
Teddy, feeling better and well enough to have a haircut
Buddy at the front with Teddy and Lucy
Teddy continues to settle in well with Kim and her family. He’s fragile and underweight but that’s increasing steadily and Kim says his character is starting to blossom as he’s feeling happier. His siblings, Lucy and Buddy are greatly helping him understand that he’s now loved and safe. Lucy was adopted when she was just under 4 years of age, Kim doesn’t know a lot about her background, but it can’t have been good.
Lucy would cower away when approached, had and still has no understanding of playing and it took a long time for her to come out of her shell. Bringing Buddy into the family helped greatly, he was a happy, regular puppy and in his presence, Lucy moved on in her confidence, becoming the ‘Queen Bee’ of the household she is today. She now helps Teddy on his journey towards happiness.
Kim says Buddy’s an excellent companions for Ted, and while he doesn’t understand Buddy’s attempts to get him to play, little tail wags are happening. Regular, gentle walks are building Teddy’s strength and confidence.
With the current restrictions due to COVID-19, veterinary visits are not happening, but Kim is in regular weekly contact with Teddy’s vet. The plan is that as he’ll continue with the medication he’s on, and when he’s strong enough and if it’s decided to be the best decision for his health, he will have a much needed dental. In the meantime, Kim and family are loving every minute of caring for this sweet old gentleman dog. Whose life took a turn for the better the day he found his way to Bleakholt.
24 APRIL 2020 - UPDATE
Teddy continues to improve with his new family. He’s steadily putting on a little weight and gaining strength. In the 6 weeks that he has been with Kim she can see a marked improvement and says he is the sweetest little character. This week he was seen by his vet who is pleased with the progress he’s making. He will stay on his eye drops and medication for now and no immediate interventions are needed. He’s being monitored regularly and is enjoying being loved, probably for the first time in his life.
This video was taken soon after Teddy arrived in his new home.
“If you ever meet him you would just fall in love with him. He means no harm, he’s no bother at all and I know he wouldn’t harm anyone. He follows us whenever we go to the kitchen and on walkies he follows us (slowly) but sometimes goes off in the wrong direction! ”
Teddy enjoying his garden picnic, eyeing up a sandwich!
22 May 2020 - UPDATE
It’s now almost 3 months since Teddy was rescued by Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary. He continues to put on weight, slowly but it’s all moving in the right direction for him. At his most recent vet check progress was pleasing, his eyes have healed well and he now needs only lubricating eye drops to keep them healthy. Kim says the warmer weather is being enjoyed and garden picnics are a particular pasttime he enjoys - in the picture above he had his eye on a sandwich!
Adopting an older dog is a special act of kindness and in Teddy’s case it is most likely this is the first time in his long life that he has known love. His happiness is clear and he shows it daily with Kim and family.
Teddy at work with his dad Chris
“He’s built up enough strength to go to work with his dad, Chris in the van, he absolutely loves this. He snuggles up to Chris every morning, even making what sounds like talking noises to him. Chris says it feels like he smiles at him all day long. Even though he can’t actually tell us he’s happy he really does look it. Even though he’s very old I think we’ve made him happy.”
AUGUST 2020
Teddy suffered a setback recently with a raging toothache and infected mouth. Poor boy really was in pain, but treating him was not a straightforward issue due to his frailty and advanced age. But, the great news is that, after the difficult decision to go ahead with a dental and anaesthetic was made, he got through the operation and is recovering well at home with Kim and Chris.
This old man is certainly a survivor and here to enjoy his wonderful loving home for a good while yet with luck and excellent vet care.
12th OCTOBER 2020
It’s with heavy hearts we share the news that Teddy died this morning.
Kim’s message to us which she’d like us to share:
“It’s with great sadness I have to tell you that our fighter Teddy, lost his final battle today. The vestibular disease was just too much for his body to cope with and he stopped eating and drinking.
He went peacefully with his mummy and daddy by his side and now he will be able to run free and be pain free over rainbow bridge. He leaves a massive hole in our hearts.
I hope that he knew he was very much loved even though we only had him for 7 months, he enriched our lives and we will miss our Teddy Boo.
Please thank all the schnauzerfest supporters for their prayers and support.”
Teddy and Chris spent all their time together. We have no doubt that Teddy knew he was deeply loved.