Winnie
We got a call last year around October time from Beardie Collie rescue near Arbroath. The girl from the rescue had received a call from the pound saying they had an old beardie in who was being put to sleep if she didn't get a home within the week. The girl from the rescue obviously had to help, and took the girl home but thought she was more lurcher type so she phoned us. Winnie was just a poor wee old soul, deaf and couldn't walk too well. I immediately phoned Tina & Callum as they had kindly offered to foster for GAGAH. They said yes immediately to fostering this pathetic little girl who had been found roaming the streets. I met Thea (a GAGAH supporter) at Aberdeen Airport to collect her and had a tear in my eye when I saw this wee hairy, matted, wobbly little thing. I took her straight to Tina's and she settled instantly. Tina discovered that night that the reason she couldn't walk was due to the fact that her nails had grown that long that they were curled right back and had embedded themselves into her pads. How painful that must have been and how long had she suffered this? Needless to say Tina got her to the Vets and got her sorted asap. In the next few weeks she got a full pamper treatment from Susan at Ellon Grooming services (another GAGAH supporter) and she did look the 'lurcher' part with her cute wee beard.
Winnie and Barny (the healthiest, happiest 16yr old dog I have ever seen) hit it off immediately and even Tina's cat fell in love with Winnie straight away. Tina and Callum decided to adopt Winnie soon after, as they could not imagine life without her. Winnie had 4 fabulous, loving, caring and happy months with her new family and loved and lived life to the full.
But, sadly near the end of February it was discovered that she had extensive mammary tumours and the huge operation that could have been done to remove them would have been far too much for her to cope with at her age. Tina and Callum took the brave and selfless decision to let Winnie go before any pain and suffering started, at the end of February. They were with her at the end to say goodbye and a piece of their hearts went with her. Words cannot express how hard it is to lose a pet you love so much. Winnie will be forever grateful to both of them for giving her such a wonderful taste of happiness before she left for doggy heaven. Everyone at GAGAH would like to say how grateful we are for what you did for her, you gave her the happiest days of her life and a time where she knew no suffering or pain only love, warmth and peace.