Harry Houdini is here!

ArchandEbs · #1 23-06-09, 11:05 AM

Well Harry is here! I can see why they kept a coat on him - he weights 26kg and has been clipped back as he's obviously had a horrendous flea allergy. My wonderful vet examined him for free for me after I collected him.

Unfortuantely it appears Harry is deaf, grossly underweight and has a degenerative nerve condition which means his legs with eventually go - my vet looked at me over the top of his glasses and said "Oh Lisa what are we going to do with you..."

There is something on his fur that is making us all itch but he's having a hydrobath tomorrow as he smells awful.

I feel so sorry for him. I've seen pictures of neglected dogs but have never actually seen one.

His legs have given out a few time but I think that's because he's not used to tiles and most of my house is tiled.

Now for the good news - Arch and Ella-Bella adore him. I must have done a much better job with my two than I ever imagined! I introduced them outside the house and then walked them all back in together.

Arch and Ella-Bella have made him very welcome - that's Arch laid beside him in the photo. It's a an interesting comparision - a well looked after much loved GSD next to one that's been exposed to the less pleasant side of life.

He's been great with the cats despite my deaf cat springing into the air and jumping on Harry with his claws and teeth out. My other cat went up and licked Harry's ears whilst he was lying down.

Plan of action - bath tomorrow! Not sure how much excerise he can have but will make him very comfortable, spoil him rotten and give him as much TLC as possible before inevitably his legs go. He didn't have much of an appetite but it has been a very stressful day for this old man.

I still think I did the right thing although it's cost me a fortune and one of his carers at the pound sent me a lovely email.

After seeing Harry I am full of admiration for the wonderful people who run rescue groups who are faced with this sight on a regular basis. I was absolutely shocked when I saw Harry and a little disappointed I wasn't told about his conditions (I did ask) but I think they were so desperate for him to end his days in a comfy home rather than a drafty old kennel.

Wooferhound · #2 23-06-09, 11:09 AM

Oh wonderful!!! So lovely to see him HOME! You must be overjoyed, I'm nearly in bally tears after reading your post!!! You're a wonderful person for taking Harry on...I'm sure he'll give you some wonderful times!

Fab that Arch & Ella-Bella have been so good with him, can't wait for further progress 'reports' and plenty of pics woman!!!!

Brilliant!

Have to say that harry actually looks 'ok', but I'm sure that pics don't offer the true picture! Love his colours!

Welcome home Harry!

Jo
xx

super D · #3 23-06-09, 11:10 AM

Poor little mite.
Welldone Lisa your a star, and what are we going to do with you hey cupcake, bless ya

xx

LOVEGSD · #4 23-06-09, 11:11 AM

Oh Lisa I did shed a little tear when I saw that first pic....how heartbreaking! Seeing him laying next to Arch is a fab pic, I am sooo happy they've accepted him in - well done you!!

I look forward to hearing all about his new life with you, Arch & Ella-bella....he'll be looking healthy in time, he's a very lucky boy to have you as his new mum.

What a lovely lad...xxx

Beki · #5 23-06-09, 11:22 AM

awww hun! he has deffo landed in the right place poor little lad!!!!!

Hope hes better and your less itchy after the bath tomorrow!

x x x x

gsdlover4ever · #6 23-06-09, 11:27 AM

awwwww look at the poor old man!

i am sooooooooo glad to hear that your other dogs have got on so well with him!

did the vets tell you how old he was roughly?

Gizmo · #7 23-06-09, 11:28 AM

How wonderful that there are people out there like you hun. He looks so relieved to have somewhere to call home. He is gorgeous and I would spend all the money in the world on a rescue even if they only had 1 day left to live. I hope Arch and Ella-Bella have fun with their new friend

xx

angeldon · #8 23-06-09, 11:44 AM

Well done Lisa I just want to echo everything that's been said above. Welcome HOME Harry, you've finally found it!!

ArchandEbs · #9 23-06-09, 11:44 AM

Hi Everyone - thank you for all your support! I was very distressed when I picked him up.

I have spent a lot of money getting him here and for the special permit so I can have 3 dogs - let's just say I could have bought a pedigree GSD.

My vet says at least 12. I think that's why I've got him - this old man definitley deserves lots of love and attention. Unfortuantely the vet thinks his legs are very bad - we are talking months rather than years - but I knew he was old I just wanted him to have some happiness and to feel wanted.

I am so proud of Arch and Ella-Bella - they have been wonderful - although Harry did bring them gifts

Harry will be going for his first puppycinno at the weekend.

Can't wait for his bath as I am very itchy lol - luckily it's not affecting any of my animals

I do think that my vet deserves a special mention - he spent ages with Harry - it was so good of him to do it for free.

LOVEGSD · #10 23-06-09, 11:46 AM

At least you know that Harry will spend the rest of his life in comfort and surrounded by love and with a new brother and sister.

I can't wait to hear all about his new life and how he takes to his first puppycinno - lucky lad

Keep posting pics of them all together.
xx