Soltalk November 2019 | Page 50

Scruffs: A great success! complications with symptoms of hair loss, dry skin, weight gain and tiredness. She was taken to the vet and her blood was tested for Leishmania, heartworm and a complete blood panel was done which revealed that she is suffering from hypothyroidism and will require ongoing treatment and more tests in the foreseeable future. This plus Portia’s age makes it much more unlikely that she will find a new home so the foster couple has decided to keep her as one of their own pets. I can’t put it any better than Woody Allen: Scruffs was “the most fun you can have with your clothes on.” Nearly 60 dogs competed in 12 categories, and the poor judges Nete Larson and Paul Zabrocki tore their hair out awarding the prizes. Of course, every dog entered was a winner. Georgio spent three years in a refugio in Mijas before coming to CAS earlier this year with his brother Gringo. In September Gringo was rehomed to a lovely family in Holland and last month Georgio had a chance to go to a foster home in Finland but they first required him to be tested for tick disease and other parasites common to the Mediterranean region It was standing room only and more than €2,000 was raised, all of Best Rescue Dog which goes to the care of the abused/abandoned animals in Nerja/Maro. Thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers who made this a wonderful day. And thank you as well to Jacky of the Nerja Foreign Resident’s Great Dane office for all of her hard work and support. See you next year! Georgio Unfortunately, Georgio’s test results came back as positive for Leishmania (Leish) as well as Filaria (heartworm) so his foster place fell through. His initial treatment for Leish involves two sets of pills for a month which cost over 60€ and he will remain on the Allopurinol tablets for the rest of his life. The treatment for heartworm is much more involved and more costly with a course of antibiotics for 28 days, a special pill once a month for four months followed by three sets of injections to kill the parasites. The sad thing is that these infections can be prevented with regular treatments against mosquitoes, sand flies, fleas and ticks such as Advantix and Scalibor collars. CAS regularly treats the dogs under its care with Advantix but this costs about €10 per animal per month. Happy Tales This month the Costa Animal Society (CAS) would like to highlight examples of veterinary care that they cover for rescues as this makes up a significant portion of their annual budget. In addition, Georgio wears a Scalibor collar year round to contain his illnesses so they cannot be spread to other animals through mosquito and sand fly bites. Once his treatment is completed in March and his Leish is stabilised he will make a wonderful pet to anyone who would like an affectionate little dog. Portia is an elderly Podenco cross female who was rehomed by CAS to a retired lady in Nerja Portia over ten years ago but, unfortunately, the owner passed away in September 2018 and Portia was placed into private kennels until a foster place could be found. Her luck changed for the better when a foster home became available for her in the summer and Portia quickly settled into a home environment again. Punta Lara CAS Quiz CAS extends their warmest thanks and gratitude to Terry and Pat Wall for presenting the monthly quiz at the Punta Lara Bar this year. Without volunteers like this couple CAS would not be able to function and continue to help the rescue animals. The next quiz will be held on November 15, at 7.30pm and will mark the return of quiz mistress Laura who will keep the participants on their toes. Food and drinks are available at the bar and advanced booking is recommended by calling Mark at 635 369 673. But like many of us as we get older, Portia developed health 48