Wilma is four years old and until reccently she lived in a puppy farm. Her whole existence would have been about making the puppy farmer money from her puupies. They would have been highly profitable puppies, done through neglecting to spend anything on basic comforts, veterinary care, or decent living conditions.
Existing in a stark breeding shed has taken its toll on Wilma’s physical health for sure, but thankfully her psychological health is certainly not as damaged as many dogs coming out of a puppy farm. But she is far from unaffected. Trust, albeit wary, of humans is there, but it’s not without Wilma having to think long and hard about each interaction first.
Sadly Wilma does have cataracts in both eyes, both quite mature. They will be assessed by specialists and if operable this will be arranged. Donations to Schnauzerfest will ensure that this costly, but life transforming surgery is done for Wilma before she heads off to her new life. Being able to restore the sight of a dog is one of the greatest gifts we can offer a dog from a puppy farm background. It removes a major obstacle to them getting on with making up for all the lost years in the breeding kennel. This is why our charity exists.
20 DECEMBER 2019
Yesterday Wilma saw the eye specialists at the Ralph Veterinary Referrals and the (relatively) good news is that her cataracts are operable. She will go in for surgery on both eyes in the new year and all going well, she will start her new year, new life, with newly restored vision. This will make a big difference to how she progresses on her journey from being a commodity in a puppy farm, valued only for the puppies she could produce, to being a happy, regular dog. One who will be loved by her adoptive family just for being herself. THIS is what Schnauzerfest makes possible. It is why our charity exists and what your donations support.
APRIL 2020
Wilma’s eye surgery went ahead as planned. Both eyes were successfully treated and her sight was restored. However, Wilma experienced a sudden onset of fits shortly after surgery. Specialist investigations, including a MRI scan were undertaken and her vets eventually diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy. This means Wilma will be on life long medication, which is easy to administer via twice daily pills. Since beginning the medication Wilma experienced no more fits. As soon as Covid-19 restrictions lift and adoptions and rehoming can resume, Wilma will be found her perfect new family and home.
Donations to Schnauzerfest paid for her treatment.
Wilma, May 2020
MAY 2020
In the 6 months since Wilma has been out of the puppy farm, she’s undergone some serious veterinary treatment, several operations, developed idiopathic epilepsy and other complications which at times have had her vet team well and truly stumped. Throughout it all, she’s maintained a friendliness and adorable laid back approach to her life, which considering how far from good it must have been in the puppy farm, is remarkable testament to her courage and character.
While her cataract surgery was a success, she went on to develop strange lesions on her eyelids which baffled the experts. Medications for this, plus her epilepsy have kept things relatively stable, however, recent concerns over blood test results, possibly related to her medication, meant she was due for a liver and spleen scan. But, during the preassesment for this, a rupture in her spay wound was discovered, so this last week, she was operated on as a matter of urgency. What a difficult and worrying time Wilma is having. But, she’s taking it all in her stride and currently convalescing in the care of the DBARC team.
For Wilma, the complications of treatment and unexpected responses are certainly challenging. The good news is, that unlike some dogs from tough backgrounds where human kind touch isn’t tolerated, Wilma loves a cuddle and stays unperturbed by the veterinary dramas she goes through.
JULY 2020
Wilma is doing brilliantly and her eyes are great. The surgery to heal her spay breakdown has been a success. She is a happy and playful dog, enjoying spending time at DBARC with long term resident Meg. However, the damage to her liver from some of the essential medications she has been on does mean she will require lifelong, careful monitoring and tests.
Wilma has certainly been through the wars, but she has come out the other side most definitely smiling!
