Collie cross Alfie was taken in by Limerick Animal Welfare after one of their volunteers found him staggering, dehydrated, in a busy road on one of the hottest nights of the year.
Reports from local people confirmed Alfie as a well-known street dog whose mate – an old collie bitch – had been found in a much worse state the week before. Sadly, nothing could be done for her but give her a peaceful end to her suffering, and staff at Limerick believe Alfie was searching for his friend when he was found.
Following treatment in the veterinary hospital, Alfie is now in much better health. He has been treated for the atrocious flea investation that has left his coat poor and sparse along his spine:
and is on the road to full recovery. The vet has aged Alfie at about 12yrs although, after what has evidently been a hard life, he could be a little younger. His teeth are worn down, probably from chewing his ravaged, irritated skin, but other than his flea allergy (now treated) Alfie has no real health issues and is in essentially good shape.
Alfie’s mental scars, however, are nearer the surface. Although he is mobile and has a good spring in his step, Alfie is very quiet and withdrawn. He is not used to people – the area he was found in is well-known for severe animal cruelty, the results of which Limerick Animal Welfare deal with daily – and is likely to have suffered plenty of abuse in his life.
Despite this, Alfie is a gentle, friendly boy; although a little wary, he is not in the least aggressive, even when being poked and prodded by the vet!
Update
Sadly, Alfie’s health deteriorated during the end of August 2005, and he was in a lot of pain. Despite visits to the vets and medication, staff at LAW could not relieve his suffering and had to take the sad decision to put Alfie to sleep.
“We could not bear to watch such a great dog in pain,” said staff. “Alfie is now in peace and we hope that he has been reunited with his best pal.”
Everyone at the Oldies Club extends their sympathy to LAW, who did so much to give this boy love in his final months.
Run free, Alfie