Need Some Very Sensible Advice!!

[Amber_Leigh1]

OK all - I have a best friend who is in a very bad emotional state as she feels a dog isn't being looked after properly (therefore being mis-treated) by a close friend of hers.

He is a pug doggy and has been suffering with his front right leg where his ankle is so weak it makes his paw face backwards and he is only 10 months old. The vet advised to have surgery and x-rays but the girl refused to do this for financial reasons. My friend has even offered her the money for the vets bill. The person in question has declined her offer and is carrying on her expensive social lifestyle having lots of fun without a care in the world for getting the dog the care he needs to make him more comfortable and in good health. The girl has a nice home but is just ignoring his health issues and even trying for a baby - can't really understand how she can afford this when she won't even look after her dog (supposedly her current baby!) Apparantly she is already trying to seek funds from the RSPCA for the op for the dog even though she has available funds for this and is paying insurance (god knows why looking at this situation)!!

Is this the kind of situation that should be reported to the RSPCA as my friend is tearing her hair out and feels that the dog's health is extremely low on her priorities and in danger?!

Any advice would be much appreciated!!!

Amber

[random]

I very much doubt the RSPCA would do much to be honest.

Is the dog in any pain or discomfort? Does she look after him properly otherwise? Is she in receipt of any benefits? What exactly is wrong with him, is it just a weak pastern? Do they know what is wrong and if surgery would fix it? If she is paying insurance has she contacted them to see if it would be covered?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to get a better picture of the situation!

[Amber_Leigh1]

Originally Posted by random

I very much doubt the RSPCA would do much to be honest.

Is the dog in any pain or discomfort? Does she look after him properly otherwise? Is she in receipt of any benefits? What exactly is wrong with him, is it just a weak pastern? Do they know what is wrong and if surgery would fix it? If she is paying insurance has she contacted them to see if it would be covered?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to get a better picture of the situation!

Hello Random

Thanks for your email.

So in answer to your q's:

• The dog limps and is definitely uncomfortable
• She does look after him in the fact that he is fed on time however due to his condition he isn't walked and they think that's OK as he is a small breed dog
• No benefits - family wealth
• Not sure about definition but problem with muscle tissue around his right ankle which makes his foot go backwards and limp - owner has been advised that an op can fix this
• She has him insured but won't pay the excess fee and bill even though it will be refunded

[random]

Originally Posted by Amber_Leigh1

Hello Random

Thanks for your email.

So in answer to your q's:

• The dog limps and is definitely uncomfortable
• She does look after him in the fact that he is fed on time however due to his condition he isn't walked and they think that's OK as he is a small breed dog
• No benefits - family wealth
• Not sure about definition but problem with muscle tissue around his right ankle which makes his foot go backwards and limp - owner has been advised that an op can fix this
• She has him insured but won't pay the excess fee and bill even though it will be refunded

Right then so they can't qualify for PDSA help. The RSPCA are unlikely to do much unless the dog is clearly suffering and/or is not being fed/housed/watered e.t.c properly. Most they are likely to do is go round and talk to her but you'd be lucky.

The fact your pal has already offered to lend her the money (even if it's going to be refunded by his insurance - although remember she needs to double and triple check as often it's not always as clear cut at that with insurance), I assume your friend has tried sitting down with her (nicely and calmly) and tried explaining why the dog needs treatment e.t.c. Obviously the owner doesn't see it as important as your friend does for some reason, what are her reasons for not having him seen? The finances excuse sounds a bit bleak as insurance and even then, she's been offered the money by your friend? Is there another reason? Is she embarrassed because she has let it go on for a while?

She needs to be made aware that by lack of socialisation, esp. at this age, he could become a problematic wee dog and develop behaviour problems including aggression and fear related problems.

Is she likely to give the dog up or do you think she would let someone else care for the dog for her, at least 'til he's better? If she truly cares for the dog then she needs to be made aware that she is causing him unnecessary problems/suffering and the RSPCA have the right to take away a dog if it is being subjected to unnecessary suffering, sometimes all it needs is a kick up the bum?

Don't know what else to suggest really. x