RSPCA Friends of West Hatch Newsletter Summer 2018 | issue 14 | Page 17

Spirit’s journey to happiness In April 2017 Inspector Marie Griffiths found Spirit in a pitiful state when she visited her home following a complaint of neglect. The nine-year-old dog was suffering from a skin condition, later confirmed as demodectic mange, which had left her body almost entirely bald. She also had infected ears and overgrown claws. Spirit was confused and in a lot of pain when she arrived at West Hatch. Her ears were badly infected, and her skin cracked and bled when she moved. Spirit hated being in a kennel, and she barked day and night. We couldn’t bear to see her in such a state, so rang our seasoned foster carers Mr and Mrs Beach, who have helped to care for so many of our sick case dogs over the years. They left the centre with bags full of medication and a very sad looking Westie. The Beaches continued to care for Spirit for many many months, and every time they came back to the centre for a vet appointment we could see huge improvements, not only to her health but also her personality. She went from being a worried, distressed little dog, to a lively, bouncy, fun loving one. In October, Spirit’s owner was handed a five year ban on keeping dogs, given a 12 month community order and told she must carry out 80 hours of unpaid work. Spirit was officially signed over to our care. During this time Spirit had well and truly become part of the Beach family. She loved being with the three other dogs in the home, and none of them could bear to part with her. Spirit on arrival If you would like to become a foster carer please email [email protected] In January 2018 when Spirit was finally signed off from all her treatments, they came to the centre and officially adopted her. She is one very lucky little dog! Spirit and the Beaches