Dharma's Story -
I first met Dharma and his family when he was 8 weeks old, when the other pups were busy elsewhere Dharma had come over to me and curled up to sleep by my side. That was it, I had been chosen. He joined our family of 2 kids and 2 cats on board our canal boat. He loved sitting on the tow path greeting all passers by, and running in the woods.
At 6 months old he had just about grown into his large paws, and with his stunning blue eyes turned many heads. He was a very peaceful pup, very docile with a big heart and was incredibly wise, a truly special dog.
On September 14th we entered Semington dog show, a small fun event that the kids took part in. We were blown away by coming first in Most Handsome, third in Cutest puppy and Child handler, first in Best 6 legs(!), and then were awarded Best in Show. We couldn’t have been more proud of our pup.
The next day and the following two weeks couldn't have been more sad. Dharma started showing signs of illness, at first the vets were unable to diagnose him, we thought just a passing stomach upset, but then his health started to rapidly decline and he was admitted into the vet hospital as an emergency patient. By this stage he had lost control of his back legs and had become incontinent. Still the vets were unable to diagnose him, even after blood tests.
He came back home where I nursed him throughout the day and night, but he was in much pain and continued to be paralysed. My pet insurance barely covered the first hospitalised treatment, I had reached my limit of cover. The only option if we wanted a diagnosis was to refer him to a specialist neurologist, their quote was £6000. Being such a young and healthy dog up till now it was difficult to make any decisions, we did not know the cause or prognosis, but had to do something to help him.
I booked the referral appointment and trusted help would come with finances.
Dharma then went to Langford referral hospital and had an MRI scan (along with more blood tests). We were devastated to hear he had multiple lesions affecting organs throughout his body, suggesting a rare and aggressive cancer.
Dharma was very happy to come home from the hospital, but continued to decline in the following days. We felt then that he wasn’t going to recover and could sense he wanted to go. A vet came to our home to put him to sleep, and he peacefully drifted off whilst we were all sitting with him.
We are left heartbroken and with a big hole in our lives, and a huge vet bill to pay. I am appealing to friends and acquaintances, and to anyone who is touched by this story to contribute however much you can, and please share on your social media page. With thanks and gratitude, Kirstie, Isla and Rudi x