Meet Roo, a brave and special one-year-old pup who has already overcome so much. She recently developed pneumonia, but thankfully it was caught early and she responded well to treatment. Her chest showed no signs of crackles at her check-up, and she’s almost finished her antibiotics. She’s enjoying short walks, which she loves, while still getting plenty of rest and sleep. Her wonderful carer, Helen, will review her medication soon to see if any adjustments can help reduce regurgitation overnight.

When Roo was first found at just three months old, she was heartbreakingly tiny - barely 3kg, weak, malnourished, and all alone on the streets. Left to fend for herself, she was rescued by the dog warden and brought to the pound, where RATS stepped in to give her the care and support she so desperately needed.

It quickly became clear that something was very wrong. Her first proper meal came straight back up through her nose and mouth, and she was incredibly lethargic. An emergency vet visit revealed she was either so malnourished that her stomach couldn’t cope with food, or there was an issue with her oesophagus.

After further investigations and specialist input, Roo was diagnosed with a rare condition called Megaesophagus - where the oesophagus becomes enlarged and loses its ability to push food down into the stomach properly.

With this condition, Roo must be fed upright and kept upright for 20 minutes after every meal. She cannot drink normal water unless it is thickened or turned into jelly. Her biggest ongoing risk has always been aspiration pneumonia, which requires constant monitoring.

Roo’s journey has been nothing short of heartbreaking. Despite everything, she continues to show incredible strength, but her condition means ongoing veterinary treatment, medication and careful management for life.

We still need your support to help cover the huge cost of her ongoing care, treatment and medication. Every donation, no matter how small, goes directly towards giving Roo the comfort and medical support she needs to continue thriving.

She has already overcome so much in her short life. Please help us ensure Roo’s story continues.