Documentary maker Louis Theroux, visited the Mayhew Animal Home in North West London today for National Dog Adoption Month, run by UK dog adoption site, DogsBlog.com.
Louis was particularly taken with Amazing Grace, a dog who was found on a doorstep starving to death, blind in one eye and desperately weak by a member of the public who brought her into the rescue centre in Kensal Green.
She had been left for a considerable time to soak in her own urine, as her legs were badly stained. She also has a grade 4 heart murmur, suffers from anaemia and her coat was in a filthy state.
Her stomach was so distended that The Mayhew’s vet team immediately drained off two litres of fluid. She was not microchipped so it’s not known who owned her.
Louis said: “Grace’s story is tragic and she really is an amazing dog. It’s a testament to her strength and courage that she’s made it this far after what she’s been through.
“We need places like the Mayhew Animal Home to help thousands of dogs like Grace who desperately need treatment, care and a loving home. So many dogs in the UK are being abused and abandoned which is why we need rescue centres but they are stretched to breaking point.
“That’s why I am delighted to highlight National Adoption Month for dogs who are not quite so lucky at finding a second chance home.”
Test results for Grace show she has an intestinal condition called lymphangiectasia; which means that she cannot absorb protein. She is eating well however she still has terrible diarrhoea and is half the weight she should be. The diarrhoea has not stopped since she came in despite medication. Her long term prognosis is not clear.
Ursula Goetz, Chief vet, added: “We are trying her on a steroid based therapy but even if she gets better it is likely that it won’t be completely fixable. It’s still touch and go.”
Find out more about The Mayhew Animal Home appeal for Grace >> click here