Page 18 - Summer23 Newsletter

THE TALES OF BLUE
Bert and his fight for Life
Hi all! In the last episode, I reached the
part of my life when old timer Bert joined
me.
Not long after he arrived, his health took
a turn for the worse, his back legs started
to fail and he became unable to stand for
any length of time. Even worse the poor
guy was in agony. In consultation with
BTRF we got in the car and drove him
twenty miles to a vet hospital - it was
11pm on New Year’s Day, he was checked
over thoroughly and given pain killers and
we headed home.
We arrived home but after an hour his blanket and by special permission – me.
condition deteriorated, and we were soon The idea was to try to remind him how
on our way back to the hospital. This time his life had now changed.
he was admitted and subsequently
diagnosed with a severe spinal infection
which he'd probably had before he came
to us. That was the longest and most
stressful night ever, but Aunty Kaye from
BTRF was on the phone offering advice
and support every hour all through the
night as the old guy fought for his life.
It was touch and go for a while, but he
made it through the night. He was kept in
the hospital and a round of very
expensive treatment was undertaken.
Daily x-rays at a cost of £500 each, a
cocktail of medication, his medical team
of vets and nurses, food and board - the
bills were mounting up. BTRF have a
policy on spending whatever is needed no
matter the age of the dog. The hospital
appreciated this approach and we always
felt they went the extra mile for him.
info@bedlingtonrescue.co.uk
Everyday Mum would drive from home
and Dad from work, they would meet at
the hospital and visit Bert, but because
I wasn't a patient, I wasn’t able to visit.
After many days, although stable, it
became apparent he wasn't improving.
His medical team felt sure he could feel
his legs, it was simply that he chose not
to stand, he had all but given up.
BTRF, the vets and Mum and Dad had a
meeting to decide just how much more
we could or should do for a dog that
refused to stand. Mum and Dad asked if
they could visit with his toys, bed and
Everything was arranged and the next day
we arrived at the hospital. We were
shown into a relative’s room that was set
up like a living room with carpets and
sofas, his bed and belongings were placed
on the floor, and he was carried in and
put in his bed by the nurses.
I was very excited to see him but because
of his condition it was felt I should stay on
my lead for the time being. No amount
of persuasion could get him on his feet,
the nurses would stand him up but as
soon as they let go, he would sink back
down into his bed. Toys and treats were
tried but still nothing, after about
45 minutes things were looking grim.
www.bedlingtonrescue.co.uk