12/7/2023 Beautiful Bessie was offered a wonderful home but, very sadly, was found to have an inoperable bladder tumour and was put to sleep
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Beautiful Bessie was brought to the Chilterns Dog Rescue Society in Tring, Hertfordshire, because her previous owners had severe health and accommodation problems. She would love to find a quiet home with someone around most of the time.
Bessie is a 9 year old, heavy-coated, black and tan German Shepherd lady whose needs have had to take a backseat in recent years and physically she has a few issues, but she is blessed with the most wonderful nature. She is a kind, gentle, loving dog who asks for very little in life. She is easy to handle and walks nicely on-lead without pulling.
Although she is a big girl, Bessie could make a great companion dog. She would bring an enormous amount of joy to someone who appreciates she is just looking for someone to love her as she would love them for the rest of her life.
Bessie has little experience of car travel but is described as ‘relaxed’ once she has managed to clamber in. Teaching her to use a ramp could be beneficial going forward. She would struggle to cope with multiple steps so, ideally, a property with easy access into a secure, level garden would be ideal.
On arrival, Bessie was in quite a poor state because no one had been in a position to meet her needs for some considerable time. She was overweight, had numerous infected sebaceous cysts across her body and significant mobility issues. Several weeks on, Bessie is visibly transforming into a much happier, healthier dog. She has already lost over 6kg in weight (with lots more to go) and a major haircut and regular bathing have sorted out her skin condition. Bessie is enjoying short walks several times a day and is interested to be involved with all the new people and dogs she meets.
As an older German Shepherd, it is perhaps not surprising that Bessie has some leg issues. There is a degree of limitation in the extension of both back legs so she sometimes ‘bunny hops’. The vet cannot rule out some nerve damage and arthritis, but there is no evidence of CDRM. However, Bessie is not in any pain and, as she continues to drop weight, all her movement is easier and more stable. She has also been started on Metacam in the morning to improve any inflammation in her joints, Her heart is strong and, apart from waxy ears, no other health issues have been detected.
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If you have experience with large breed dogs and think you could offer a suitable home to lovely Bessie, please contact Chilterns Dog Rescue Society as follows:
Tel: 01296 623885
Email: enquiries@cdrs.org.uk
Please mention that you saw Bessie on the Oldies Club website.