The tan male Lurcher, now named Lenny by rescuers, was found wandering alone, in the heart of the city by a concerned member of the public. He was limping and clearly in pain and distress. The kind-hearted person alerted the ISPCA and stayed with the dog, until the ISPCA arrived.
When ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey arrived, she discovered there was a gash on the young dog’s hind leg, and the leg was extremely swollen.
The dog was immediately taken in Dungarvan for an urgent assessment and pain relief. There was no microchip present, and he was not neutered. Lenny was so exhausted that he could barely stay awake during a veterinary assessment, falling asleep while standing.
X-rays confirmed that Lenny has a serious break to his Tibia. The injury, believed to have occurred several days earlier, had become severely infected due to lack of treatment. After careful assessment, the vet determined that amputation was the most humane and viable option to relieve his suffering, and to give him a chance at a pain-free life. Huge thanks to the vet in Riverside vets who performed his surgery, and to the staff who and gave Lenny the best level of aftercare.
Following Lenny’s surgery, he was transferred to the ISPCA’s Wicklow Centre, where he received round-the-clock care and rehabilitation. His gentle spirit remained strong throughout his recovery, and shortly after, in a heart-warming turn of events, he was recently adopted into a permanent, loving home, where is now loved and cared for.
ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey said: “Lenny was extremely despondent when I met him. As he was carried and placed in my van, I could see that he was in severe pain. He was very subdued and had the most anguished look in his eyes. At that point, when he looked at me, I think he knew he was safe. I rushed him to the veterinary clinic; he was so exhausted from carrying the weight of his broken leg, that he closed his eyes while standing up, almost falling asleep. Lenny, a dog who was once nameless and homeless, now has a new identity and a new lease of life”.
Alice added: “Despite everything he had been through, his gentle nature never faded. We’re thrilled he’s now safe, happy, and deeply loved”.
Sadly, Lurcher dog breeds often get overlooked in kennels for smaller dogs and they can be in ISPCA care for some time, before being adopted. If you are considering adopting a new pet, not only with you be changing a pet’s life, but in return you will gain a devoted friend for life. Visit the ISPCA’s website here https://ispca.ie/adoptions/ for more information.
The ISPCA continues to advocate for responsible pet ownership such as veterinary care and treatment, neutering and microchipping, which is a legal requirement, and urges the public to continue to report any injured, neglected and abused animals to their National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515. Donations and support help ensure that vulnerable animals just like Lenny get the second chance they deserve. If you can, please make a kind life-saving donation here: https://ispca.ie/donations/
