Rescue centre saves blind Shih Tzu from euthanasia after severe neglect

A Plymouth animal rescue centre is calling for public support after saving the life of a severely neglected elderly dog that was nearly put to sleep on welfare grounds.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home took in a blind Shih Tzu, now named Grumpy Grizelda, after she was seized from her former owner and taken to a vet in shocking condition. 

Covered in urine and faeces, with overgrown nails cutting into her feet and a leg swollen from matted fur, Grizelda was in constant pain and showed signs of extreme trauma.

Vets initially recommended euthanasia, believing she was too distressed to recover. 

But Gables, known for rehabilitating elderly and abused animals, stepped in.

Grizelda was placed in the supervisor’s office for round-the-clock care. 

She received regular wound treatment from the centre’s partner vets, pain relief, and antibiotics.

Initially unable to walk properly or tolerate human contact, she slowly began to recover.

“She really did not want to be touched or picked up at all,” said a Gables spokesperson. “She was treated like a queen and given freshly cooked chicken every day.”

Deputy manager Ruth Rickard said: “Many people wrongly assume that elderly or aggressive animals needing extensive veterinary treatment will be euthanised at rescue centres, but this couldn’t be further from the truth at Gables. Grizelda showed us that she wanted a chance to live out her retirement pain free and happy, so we were happy to give her that opportunity. We love finding homes for elderly animals as it is so rewarding and makes our very difficult job so worthwhile.”

After intensive care costing around £2,000, Grizelda’s wounds have now healed. 

She has been adopted by one of Gables’ volunteers, who already owns a blind Shih Tzu named Gremlin. 

The two dogs are so alike, staff say they are hard to tell apart.

Gables is a registered charity and receives no government funding.

The team say they are feeling the financial strain of the cost of living crisis and are appealing to the public to help cover Grizelda’s treatment and ongoing support for other animals in need.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home is appealing for donations to help cover the cost of Grizelda’s care and support other animals in need. 

The charity, which receives no government funding, says it is under growing financial pressure due to rising costs.

Contributions to the Grumpy Grizelda Appeal can be made in several ways:

• By phone: 01752 331602
• Online: via JustGiving, PayPal, or the Gables website
• By post: Cheques should be made payable to Gables Dogs & Cats Home and sent to 204 Merafield Road, Plymouth, PL7 1UQ

By text:

• Text GABGG to 70201 to donate £1
• Text GABGG to 70331 to donate £3
• Text GABGG to 70970 to donate £5
• Text GABGG to 70191 to donate £10

Text donations cost the chosen amount plus a standard network message charge. 

The service is operated by the National Funding Scheme (Charity No. 1149800), operating as DONATE. 

More details are available at easydonate.org.

Any funds raised beyond the cost of Grizelda’s care will go towards supporting other animals at the rescue centre.