We have two new rescues at IWCT – Cabi and Carla. These are the first rescue dogs to be taken back to the new Treatment Centre.
These two dogs have quite a lot in common – they were both alerted to us by concerned members of the public, are both young female dogs and both were suffering from mange and parasitic infection. Sadly, both dogs have had a horrific start in life, a tough life which they didn’t deserve.
Rescued from the streets
Cabi was found by a lady who noticed her seeking refuge from the hot sun and searching for scraps of food by some large rubbish bins. She was thin and almost bald from mange. Not only that, her infected skin was so dry it was cracked and sore.
Carla was brought to our attention by the wife of a local barangay Captain. She was on the streets and at risk of being run over in heavy traffic. Carla was the younger and weaker of the two, likely born on the streets with little immunity.
We knew we couldn’t allow these dogs to continue suffering. So we made arrangements for our team to collect them and bring them back to the Treatment Centre. Here we could begin the rehabilitation process and bring them back to full physical and mental health.
Isolation period
As per our bio security policy, both dogs were put into a quarantine kennel in isolation. This is until it has been confirmed they are free from contagious diseases such as Parvo or Distemper. We have a duty of care to protect our other rescue dogs. We also don’t want to transmit a disease onto surfaces where dogs who visit for our clinics might come into contact with it.
Even once it had been confirmed the new rescues are disease free, it was best they stayed in the quarantine kennel for a longer period. This is because, in their weak state, they would feel vulnerable in a shared kennel with the bigger and busier dogs. It is important they gain weight and strength and being stressed in a shared kennel would inhibit that.
Rehabilitation
Both dogs are showing dramatic improvement since they were rescued. Carla required more de-worming and now her stomach doesn’t appear bloated from infestation. Both dogs’ fur is beginning to re-grow as they recover from mange.
Soon they will be well enough to join the other rescue dogs in everyday kennel life. It is likely they will share a kennel together, along with an older, kinder rescue dog, like Sunshine. Learning to socialise with people and other dogs is an important part of the rehabilitation process. They will get to spend lots of time playing and learning in the Enrichment Park with our kennelmates and volunteers.
Re-homing
We recently shared changes to our rescue and re-home policy in that the person who alerts us of the dog in need must take responsibility of it once it is well enough to be re-homed. As in most cases, these people are dog lovers already otherwise they wouldn’t have brought the dog in need of help to our attention. If they cannot take on ownership of the dog, it is their responsibility to find someone who can.
Cabi is to be rehomed by the neighbour of the lady who rescued her and Carla is joining the household of the barangay Captain and his wife.
Cabi and Carla still aren’t ready to leave IWCT’s care just yet, which means we get to spend more time with these gorgeous young dogs, watching them grow and develop their personalities.
If you would like to support the rehabilitation of our rescue dogs, you can do so by making a donation here.
To receive updates on our rescues and other news from the Treatment Centre, subscribe to our Newsletter.
Thank you.
