The Unbearable Pain Of Arriving Too Late

Every day, we set out with the hope of saving as many dogs as possible & almost all of the time we are successful in our mission.

Yet, when we arrive too late or find a dog has already left this world, it leaves a profound impact on us all.

The heartache of losing these precious lives is intense, but we find comfort knowing we did everything we could for them. It's reassuring to know they didn't have to endure their final moments alone, scared, and uncomfortable on the cold ground.

Today, I want to honour and remember those beautiful dogs who didn't make it.

Their presence may be gone, but they forever remain in our hearts and minds. We treasure the memories of them.

Though they are no longer with us, their influence is everlasting, encouraging us to continue our work with empathy and resolve.

Hamish's story is one that will forever be etched in our hearts. The pain of losing him is profound, and the abuse he endured before we found him haunts us.

Hamish was a brave soul who suffered unimaginable cruelty, leaving him with advanced mange, general neglect, poor health, and a prolapsed colon.

Despite undergoing surgery to correct his colon, the extent of his injuries was grave.

Our consultant vet considered a more radical approach if the initial surgery failed, but before any further decisions could be made, Hamish's condition took a tragic turn.

His fragile colon ruptured, and despite the tireless efforts of the veterinary team, we were unable to save him.

When Hamish passed away, I found myself grappling not only with my own grief but also with the daunting task of informing his sponsor and the community.

The weight of knowing that my words would bring distress to others added to my own suffering.

This was my first encounter with such a situation, and it as emotionally overwhelming.

I couldn't help but think about veterinarians who have to perform this painful duty repeatedly throughout their careers. In search of some guidance, I reached out to them, hoping to learn strategies to cope with the emotional toll.

Robbie was an adult male Kangal who endured unimaginable suffering.

When he was found, his skin bore horrific injuries, with vast areas completely missing.

In addition to the severe skin damage, Robbie also suffered from multiple fractures, lacerations, necrotising lesions & internal damage to his organs.

I remember the shock and disbelief I felt when I heard how Robbie had received his injuries. He had been tied to a car & dragged along the road at speed.

The thought of someone doing that to him was beyond my comprehension.

It was an act of unimaginable cruelty that left me feeling physically sick.

The team worked tirelessly, doing everything in their power to heal his injuries, but the damage to his organs was too severe.

Despite our best efforts and hopes for a miracle, Robbie could not be saved. His passing was a heart breaking & a sharp reminder of the senseless cruelty that sometimes exists in the country I was saving dogs in.

I remember the day we found Polly all too vividly.

The sight of her lifeless body, along with her puppies, was a haunting image that I will never shake.

It was clear they had been discarded carelessly, as if they were nothing more than trash.

This lack of empathy and respect for their lives was shocking and deeply saddening.

The realization that someone could treat these innocent creatures with such disregard left me feeling both stunned and heartbroken.

Star was a kangal puppy who was found on the street, weak and listless.

She was suffering from bloody diarrhea, leading us to suspect it could be parvovirus or distemper.

We rushed her to the clinic, but heartbreakingly, Star passed away shortly after arriving. If only we had discovered her a bit earlier, she might have had a fighting chance for recovery and survival.

Every day, we pour our hearts and souls into giving each dog a fighting chance, driven by the belief that every life holds immense value.

The joy of witnessing countless recoveries and small miracles fuels our determination, yet the weight of those losses lingers heavily in our hearts.

We strive to maintain an unwavering commitment to care, ensuring that no dog is overlooked or judged.

This dedication results in a remarkable success rate, but it also deepens the sorrow when some are beyond healing.

Despite the challenges, our resolve never wavers, as each effort reaffirms our mission to provide hope and compassion without exception.