Roxy’s Road to Recovery –

Help us continue to rehabilitate abused and neglected pets like Roxy!

In recent years we’ve seen a rise in cases of animal neglect and abuse come through our doors, that were previously and more traditionally taken on by other larger organisations with more resources. The number of animals needing extra care is increasing each year and we need your help!

Roxy came to us recently in an extremely emaciated state after being abandoned as a stray. This beautiful girl is so affectionate and loving despite how poorly she was feeling and the terrible state she was in. She has some lumps, bumps and sores and has needed extra special dietary care to help her put on some much-needed weight, without sending her body into shock. A large breed dog with such a poor body condition score is harrowing indeed, and great care must be taken. Whilst we don’t know all the facts from Roxy’s past, we know that whatever awful circumstances she has faced her primary concern is to be loved. Her big soulful eyes look up to you, and all she wants is your affection. Our entire team has fallen head over heels for this big cuddle monster who is such a sweet, gentle girl. The capacity for faith in humans from dogs like Roxy never fails to amaze. Steadily, Roxy is getting further along her road to recovery and her energy improves every day from the frail, lethargic dog she came in as, but she still has a way to go. Proper food has helped Roxy begin to gain weight and her low energy levels are rising after so long without any nutrition. Will you help us care for dogs like Roxy?

In the past, the majority of the cases we saw here were primarily simple relinquishes – responsible owner’s having a change in circumstance (a marriage break down or two dogs not getting on in the home) but recently we are taking in even more animals with costly veterinary needs and extra care requirements. A number of factors may have contributed to this rise – more people own more pets, Lockdown saw a large increase in companion animal ownership, the cost-of-living crisis means more people are struggling with their animals – the list goes on. We have been taking in pets in groups that have all come from the same place more and more often. Large numbers of cats from one household or several dogs that have come from unlicensed breeders – even some pets from hoarding situations. Other recent cases include animals that appear perfectly healthy, but flinch when you move or cough. It is heart wrenching for our team of animal carers.

Sadly, it seems that more pets are being abandoned and then are picked up as strays, just like Roxy. We see more and more cases of extreme matting and negligence. This means that, more often than not, the animals we are caring for have additional veterinary needs and increased behavioural challenges. They need more time to bond with staff and trust must be built before any rehabilitation or training may take place. Of course, this means that the length of stay and cost to our charity is increased as well. Our dedicated team are regularly giving up their personal time to give these animals a little extra and help them along their journey.

Will you help us rise to the challenge to meet these increased costs so that more deserving dogs like Roxy can find loving forever families of their own We know that times are a little tougher for everybody, but every single penny and pound adds up! Perhaps you are only able to donate the price of your cup of coffee? That’s amazing - if enough people can band together to help - huge feats can be accomplished! If you find that you are able, even a small donation might help us cover these increasing costs and help us care for dogs like Roxy and all her resident friends here at NAWT. If you are not able to donate, we would be just as grateful and appreciative if you could share this appeal and help us gain support.