Lucky- After an unlucky life, this dog needs some love 

Spanish Stray Dogs were contacted about the plight of a very elderly neglected dog who was living on an abandoned plot in Spain. His skin and general condition was appalling and a kind passer by living in the neighbourhood was desperate to help him. Of course we agreed to assist in anyway we could. Fast forward 6 months and Lucky as he has been aptly named is now thriving.

Currently in a foster home with the lady who helped secure his release from a life of hell. Lucky is an elderly German Shepherd cross of approx 10 years old. Lucky is approx 65 cm high and 35 kg. A loving boy who will push his head into your lap for cuddles. He has good recall in and around the house and garden but he has never been let him off leash outside so we don’t know how focused he would be or if he would be easily distracted.

He has lived in TOTAL isolation for 10 years since being a small puppy. Despite this since his rescue he has lived inside the house with with the foster homes other dogs and not once done his toilet inside. He is an independent dog, used to his own company so is fine to be left alone for periods of time and as long as he has a comfortable bed is happy to sleep on his own. He also enjoys at times being on his own lying in the garden watching the world go by. Lucky does bark when there is something to bark at but is generally very quiet! He has been living with another male German Shepherd and a male Chi with no issues at all although has tried to chase the female dog in the foster home. He has always been fed separately from the other dogs to avoid any conflict. Lucky will walk on a relaxed leash but doesn’t like a neck collar so he uses a harness. He is fine being bathed and brushed him but he doesn’t like his nails clipped so the vet does this. He is very food motivated and eats really quickly, snatching at his food out of the bowl. When giving treats by hand he grabs the food and although not being aggressive can hurt your fingers. EVERY time he has to be shown the treat and reminded to be gentle..he is getting better but its a work in progress. Sadly for a dog that has known hunger and gone without food for long periods it is quite normal behaviour to forget manners at the sight of a biscuit. His fur is growing but there will always be scarring from his neglect on his legs. His eye is weak as the flesh from his lower lid is damaged so his eye runs. Not an infection just clear tears.

He has leishmaniosis and is currently on Alpurinol 300 x2 daily. The charity can support you and advise you on the care of a dog with Leishmania which is a very common Mediterranean disease caught from a sandfly bite. For more information we strongly recommend taking a look at the Facebook page Living with Leish. He is very stiff when he walks and is now on Meloxicam.

We believe that Lucky needs a home where there are adults only or over 14 years of age ( due to snatching of treats a small child could be hurt unintentially) where they will allow him to just quietly hang out with them..he couldn’t cope with an active home and wouldn’t be too bothered if he just had a garden to sit in rather than walks. He has progressed so much in the 3 months that he has been with the foster family proving a dog is never too old to rescue. He would benefit from an experienced and patient family who could continue his socialisation and understand that he’s an elderly boy now who wants to live a quiet life. He’s not suitable as a first time dog. He could be placed with another placid dog given the correct introductions.

Can you give Lucky the happy ending he so deserves after years of abandonment and neglect.

www.spanishstraydogs.org.uk

Lucky is available for adoption in Germany, UK, Sweden, Finland, Holland, Spain and many other countries. Homecheck and adoption fee apply. Adoption fee includes neutering, passport, microchip, all vaccinations, blood tests to screen for diseases, worm and flea treatment.
Adoption cost in Spain (if no transport required) 155€ for males and €165 for females. Adoption costs to the UK £390, this includes all DEFRA paperwork and transport by DEFRA registered carrier(using the TRACES system) by road direct to your door. We sort all the arrangements for you.

For adoption costs elsewhere, or for help and advice please e-mail adoptionteam@spanishstraydogs.org.uk

For more information about this dog, including advice and custom made video contact adoptionteam@spanishstraydogs.org.uk now.