A Special Story - Maximus
A male Rottweiler arrived at LAA on Saturday 4th March having been found, abandoned on a quiet country lane, by a member of the public. It was extremely fortunate for this dog that the lady found him when she did. She was walking her dog on Friday evening at around 9pm along a quiet, secluded country lane close to her home. She noticed a large black dog, motionless, obviously scared and confused. She approached this gentle giant who was clearly in a very poor condition and in desperate need of someone to help him.
Once she had managed to coax him home with her, it was soon apparent that he couldn’t see. He had only one eye, which was badly infected and swollen. He was very underweight and his coat was poor.
LAA received a telephone call from the lady on Saturday morning. She knew of our existence as she had recently homed one of our dogs.
Assistant Kennel Manager, Linda Carleton, was on hand to greet the dog and transported him straight away to our vets. They examined him and assessed his age to be between 7 and 9 years old. Although he was in very poor condition, a decision was made not to put him to sleep but he was prescribed with a pain killing injection and antibiotics to help his eye.
As the dog was effectively a stray, the appropriate authority was notified on Monday morning, although we knew an owner wouldn’t come forward to claim him.
We believe the dog was deliberately dumped because of his deteriorating health and if he hadn’t have been found when he was I dread to think what would of become of him.
We named him ‘Maximus’ after the brave, galliant Gladiator Warrior. Despite his obvious discomfort, he was a very loving and trusting dog and we fell in love with him immediately. He was given not one but 3 thick warm quilts for his bed and small amounts of sensitivity control food – which he absolutely loved. Most importantly, he was given lots of love and cuddles.
Maximus went back to the vets on Monday for blood tests and to see the eye specialist. Unfortunately, following weekend observation at the kennels, that wasn’t the only problem we spotted. He found it extremely difficult to walk and was clearly uncomfortable on his legs.
The RSPCA had been informed and were on hand to take photographs.
The vet consultation didn’t go well as Maximus had spinal damage, a heart murmur and a low protein count in his blood. After serious thought and many tears, acting upon veterinary advice it was decided the kindest thing for him was to put him to sleep.
I know that Maximus was only with us for a few days but he was the most gentle, trusting, beautiful dog that must have thought he’d already arrived at the gates of heaven when he came to us.
We take solice in the fact that he spent the last few days surrounded by love and kindness.
God bless you Maximus.
