36 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021
Pets
The tales
of Flo & Trojan
by Lorraine Gibson When staff at the Margaret Green Animal Rescue first saw lifeless-looking Florence, they admit that they doubted she’d survive. Discarded on the side of the road, it was only by chance that someone spotted her and took her to the pet charity. Nothing could have prepared them for what they saw. “I have worked here for over 19 years and I have never seen such an emaciated dog,” said Helen, the centre manager at Lincoln Farm. “She urgently needed our help – who knows what could have happened to her. “We were shocked that she was alive, she was in such a bad way. “Her vital organs were by Faith Eckersall A 10-year-old dog that weighed the same as a baby elephant has been branded ‘Slimmer of the year’ after shedding half his weight in just 12 months. Alaskan malamute Trojan arrived at the RSPCA’s Ashley Heath Animal Centre in November 2020 weighing in at 101kg – around the same as a baby elephant – according to the charity. Kennel supervisor Nicola Anthony, whose colleagues have been caring for the dog, said: “Poor Trojan was in a terrible way when he arrived here a
n Florence
shutting down, her eyes were sunken into her head due to lack of fat, her ribs and spine were protruding and she was hardly able to stand.” It was clear that Florence had been suffering for a long year ago. He was dirty, matted and unbelievably obese. “It’s taken a year, a very special diet and an exercise regime to help him
lose the weight slowly and safely and he’s now almost half of his original weight. Thankfully, he hasn’t lost his big character!” Trojan now weighs in at a much healthier 60.1kg and needs a home that can keep
time so they quickly got to work. First, they made her a cosy bed with blankets to make her feel safe and warm; it was imperative that she have fluids and food so they gave her small amounts every two hours to prevent her digestive system from failing.
Despite weighing a measly 10.4kg on arrival and facing a raft of other debilitating issues, not only has she survived – she’s thrived. Florence’s courage and determination has captivated all the staff who have found it heart-warming watching her improve daily, obviously with very slow steps. “She is such a sweetheart and has been through so much,” says Helen. “She had the biggest fight of her life and the last thing we all wanted was for her not to make it.” As Florence has proven, the centre has to be prepared for anything and that costs money. If you can help them, visit: margaretgreenanimalrescue. org.uk
n Trojan
his previous health and age in mind when taking him on, said Nicola. “He is arthritic and has thyroid problems so will need ongoing treatment in his new home. These conditions won’t be covered by any insurance so his new owners will need to be prepared to cover these costs.” However, she said that whilst the dog was in his twilight years, he had ‘no intention of retiring’. “He is still strong and likes to go for short walks, plod around the garden and have a good sniff,” she said. “He gets on really well with other dogs but doesn’t like
being jumped all over so he’s best around calm, respectful doggy friends. “We think he’d be best as the only dog in his new home so he can have all of the attention and affection; and he really deserves it!” Trojan’s new home should be one where he can be regularly groomed and lots of company. “He’s looking for somewhere with someone who will be around for most of the time and, once he’s settled in his new home and routine, may be able to be left for short periods of time.” n If you’re interested in caring for Trojan or in donating to help the £4,000 a day running costs of the animal centre, contact Ashley Heath at ashleyheath@rspca.org.uk.
