Florence Had Given Up On Life
Florence's condition was heart breaking when she first came under our care.
Her skin was blackened, hairless, and riddled with infection, continually bleeding.
Her head drooped, and she was motionless, testament to her deep depression. It was evident that she had endured immense suffering, to the point where she had completely shut down.
Florence had lost the will to fight for her life, having faced the relentless challenges of surviving on the harsh streets.
Credit Joel Mills
Credit Alan R Walker
Despite being born on the streets, Florence's overall health was surprisingly decent for an adult dog.
However, her suffering was attributed to a tiny parasite that tunnels just beneath the skin. Mange, the condition caused by this parasite, manifests in two forms: sarcoptic and demodectic.
Florence's skin was bleeding due to her constant scratching, a desperate attempt to alleviate the relentless itching.
Her claws had broken through the skin, creating openings for bacteria to enter and cause an infection.
To combat this, she was prescribed a course of antibiotics, aimed at healing her skin and eliminating the bacterial infection.
As the treatment for Florenceās mange and bacterial infection took effect, her condition improved significantly.
Her once bleeding skin began to heal, the relentless itching subsided, and her coat, which had been sparse, started to grow back. It was heartening to see her regain her spirit, marking a significant turnaround from her previous state.
Watching her progress was truly heart warming.
From being withdrawn, she gradually opened up and started socializing with the other dogs.
Her transformation was remarkable; she was now eating and drinking normally, and she eagerly participated in the various activities around her.
Florence's story is a poignant reminder of the critical role that organisations of a charitable nature play in the lives of street animals.
Without the intervention and care she received, Florence's fate could have been far more tragic.
It's heart breaking to realize that so many street-born dogs are not as fortunate, losing their lives due to the lack of basic, accessible treatments.
The hope is that one day, no dog will endure the hardships Florence faced, and that every dog will experience the kind of happy ending she did.