Here another report about the activities of Hand to Paw – our partner organisation:

Three weeks ago 3 new pups “showed up” at Wat Huay Sai. This is not an unusual occurrence at local temples in Thailand. Many people make the assumption that if dogs are left at temples, particularly puppies, they will receive the care necessary to keep them healthy.

This of course is not always the case. Wat Huay Sai is an exception. Compared to others the abbot is extremely attentive to “his” dogs and watches over them carefully. Hand to Paw works in partnership with the temple to feed and maintain a healthy environment for the dogs who call the temple home.

The new pups, appeared healthy except for being covered with ticks, many of which were expertly removed by the students.

However, our second visit to the temple one week later found the female brown newcomer that we now call “Sweetie Pie” lying on the cement floor unable to move any of her limbs.

She was completely paralyzed and had been lying there for 2 days unable to eat or drink. Another day and she wouldn’t have survived. We rushed her to the vet who initially suspected distemper. Further testing determined that this was not the case. Despite the paralysis, dehydration, and high fever there was something about her that encouraged us to give her some time.

Mounting vet bills, given our financial limitations caused us much concern. As we pondered what course of action to take we began to notice small improvements. Her temperature returned to normal, she was responsive, eating and seemed to be regaining some use of her legs. For almost two weeks we have visited “Sweetie Pie” at N-Do Animal Hospital and watched her make daily progress.

The addition of a yoga mat gave her the traction she needed to be able to sit and then to stand briefly without support. Each day became a celebration. She did look quite cute standing on her yoga mat in her pampers specially designed with a hole for her tail!!!!

Two days ago this brave little survivor stood on her own and walked the length of the yoga mat. It was then we knew that she would make a full recovery. “Sweetie Pie” will eventually be returned to the Wat Huay Sai temple; that is unless someone would like to adopt “our little miracle”

The response to the story of “Sweetie Pie” has been incredible. Her care and treatment has made a huge impact on our small budget that is designed to feed and provide basic medical assistance to the dogs of the three temples in the vicinity of Prem International School.

After reading about “Sweetie Pie” on our Hand 2 Paw Facebook, caring supporters have forwarded donations to assist with her ongoing medical treatment; some from as far away as America. Three dollars – 100 baht pays for her care and boarding at the clinic.

Our thanks for this report go to:
Sandy (text) and Joy (photos)