Rescue Staffies at Shropshire kennels need life-saving surgery

Finding Furever Homes (FFH) is a volunteer-run charity that helps to rescue and rehome dogs throughout England and Wales. Staffie-cross Louis was rescued as part of a cruelty case from a home with 14 dogs and no garden in West Mercia’s policing area and taken in by one dog rescue centre.

His brother Logan was also rescued at the same time, along with their younger sister Molly, and they were taken in by Finding Furever Homes and cared for at kennels they use in Condover, Shropshire.

A week later FFH realised Louis might have to be put to sleep as he had been declared “unlikely to pass their medical assessment” so should be euthanised.

FFH founder and trustee Andrea Newton said: “The vet nurse was crying when she rang. She was saying he is only a baby, at most a year old, and the most loving, sweet natured and gentle boy.

“But he was about to be put to sleep by his rescue centre as he had a medical condition.”

FFH agreed to take the Staffie-cross pup on from the other charity after it was discovered during his vet check he had a potentially serious heart condition.

An operation could enable him to lead a good quality and full life but will cost £3,000.

Louis is now being cared for in kennels where is awaiting surgery once the funds have been raised.

When Louis’s brother Logan went to be vet it was discovered he had undescended testicles, which could become cancerous.

The condition can be corrected but will also require quite significant surgery, at a cost of about £1,000.

Andrea said: “Our two little boys are both in need of the public’s help.

“We need to raise around £4,000 to cover both surgeries and we are currently waiting to hear back from the heart specialist to see how soon and exactly what Louis’ operation will involve and whether we need to do it sooner or later - but we need to raise the money as soon as we can.”

Given the nature of the surgery, FFH is also appealing for two foster homes where the dogs can go to recover after their operations and before they are ready for permanent home. These homes would need to be with experienced dog owners who live close to the kennels and the vets who will be looking after their care in Shropshire.To give money text ‘donate’ by texting LULU17 and the amount to 70070 or go to donate online at www.justgiving.com/…/char…/findingfurever/lulu-belle

For more information on Finding Furever Homes and fostering or adopting a dog visit findingfureverhomes.org.uk for details.