From Pauper to Duke. (From Sharpei to Duke)

We didn’t think to have another dog, at least not just yet. Rex (almost 5 yr old yellow Labrador) would be the only dog until we return to Australia. That, of course changed when Duke happened.

Duke a.k.a Sharpei

Reading about Duke’s (aka Sharpei) plight on the blog and several correspondences with the volunteers, I had the pleasure of meeting him and Bear when they were at the vet for their health check. I was amazed by his sweet and calm disposition. Truth be told, I wasn’t prepared to meet a dog with such rough experiences to be so well-mannered. Apart from his skinny frame, he is actually a fine-looking, goofy lad.

Things escalated when Duke was attacked by some stray dogs the following day. Seeing the extent of his injuries, Rob and I decided to foster him while he was on the mend. He was mostly very considerate and polite with us, even with Rex. In the beginning, his consideration did not extend beyond our home. Little did I realize, this boy could hold his fight. During our initial walks together, it’s his way or the highway – which meant carrying this injured 23kg boy, wearing this big Elizabethan collar all the way home. Looking back, we would have made quite a sight since I looked as battered as him after each walk.

Duke (Sharpei) attacked by stray dogs (Picture taken from Hp)

This is Rex, my big bro. He used to wish for a Sharpei - his wish came true!

The initial reception from Rex was a little lukewarm. That got us very concerned until we uncovered one of the issues – Duke’s weapons, which is the Collar of Oblivion (having his side vision blinded by the e-collar) and his whipping tail. Rex had his untimely moments when he was at the receiving ends of slaps and accidental “bangs”. They both had their silly and laughable episodes. Needless to say, we were won over, including Rex.

Duke and Rex - best of buddies!

 I'm a pet, not a stray anymore! And I love swimming!

 That's my Daddy and Mommy and my big brother, Rex.

In a short time, Duke had made a difference to us. For Rex, he is a happy and bossy big brother – having Duke following him in almost everything. Even when Duke has no clue why he might be doing it, he is just happy to follow suit. The mornings have been rowdier with two big boys banging and bashing away with their happy tails. For us, they are simply a joy to be awakened to, having 2 happy faces greet us every morning.

Rex is a blood donor for Zeus Communications

Today, Duke has transformed from a lost and sad dog to a happy and affectionate boy. He has found a home where he can sleep soundly every night, without any more fear. My validation is his loud and deep snore most nights. He never has to go hungry again unless Rex finishes his food (not that Rex is a bully but he is an absolute greedy foody!). He now knows where home is and is happy to walk home each time. He loves people, walking up to them each time for some rubs and pats. And he can be very relentless and unabashed about wanting more – that’s why he follows daddy like a bad smell. Most importantly, he wears a beautiful smile that tells us adopting him was a right decision after all.



Living the life he truly deserves

Daddy and his boys

Thank you to Lynda and Fiona for rescuing Duke and making it possible for him to be part of our family.
Photographs and story courtesy of Rob & Stephanie

Updates on Sharpei and Little Joe

Updates on Sharpei

Volunteers had taken the little Bear to visit her big brother, Sharpei, at his foster home a week after the both of them went to different foster homes. They were absolutely ecstatic to see each other and the little Bear licked Sharpei continuously. The little one followed him all around the house and they played and rolled happily in the garden, just like the good old days. It was a bittersweet moment – seeing how happy they were together and yet knowing that it was unlikely they would be rehomed as a pair.

Best of Friends

Playing together

 I miss you, little Bear.

The two best friends spent the evening playing and just being near each other. It was such a joy watching them together, the bond between them strong as ever despite having been apart.

When volunteers left with the little Bear, Sharpei had wanted to go along too and you could see the sadness in his eyes, when our car drove off. We had promised to see him again, when he was due to have his stitches removed.

Removing his stitches

 An absolute darling

The following week, volunteers and Sharpei’s foster took him to the Vet to have his stitches removed. As always, he was a brave dog and sat quietly while Dr Lesley Teo removed the stitches from his hip, paws and cheek. He had been well taken care of by his foster and seemed much happier, more confident and showing less ribs. He can afford to put on a few more kilograms and we think he will, gradually, especially if he is to be a future blood donor.

Sharpei at the Vet, after having his stitches removed

His foster, Stef, told us that he is comfortable in her home and gets on well with her other dog, a yellow Labrador. Sharpei is also getting pickier with his food, occasionally choosing not to eat the same menu more than twice consecutively! We also found out that poor Sharpei has a great fear of rain and thunder; and would shiver hours before the storm. We wondered how terrifying his stray days must have been for him; imagine having a fear of rain and thunder, fear of humans and possible abuse and the other Alpha dogs fighting for food. What a sad life it must have been.

Gorgeous again!

We’re so thankful that Stef has been fostering and caring so much for him. We are also grateful to the many friends and readers who have shown their love, care and support in various ways. Everyone has made a positive difference in Sharpei’s life and shown him that he does mean a lot to us.

To read about Sharpei's Rescue, please click How Tough Can Life Get? 


Updates on Little Joe

After Rex’s gift of life to Little Joe, he is doing a little better. His gums are slightly pinkish; however he is still anemic and his breathing, laboured. He does not seem to like his kibbles and canned food, preferring to go hungry and wait for volunteers, Lynette and little Sara, to bring his daily ration of beef, liver and eggs. Dr Ang is extremely concerned about Little Joe as he still looks like a skeleton and really needs to put on a lot more weight. He needs to eat lots of carbo but Little Joe simply refuses to even eat rice. Dr Ang mentioned it could be because he is still not feeling too well and thus, his tiny appetite. His wound on his neck is healing faster than we expected it to. This could be because he has had a blood transfusion and some proper nutrition. The planned surgery to remove the dead cells from his neck will no longer take place as the wound is gradually closing on its own.

The wound is healing really well

Little Joe, however, will not be able to undergo sterilization as yet because he is too thin and weak. This can only be done many months down the road.

Little Joe is still extremely weak

Look at his tiny frame

Dr Ang says that Little Joe will need to stay at the Vet for a few more days as his life is not entirely out of danger yet. He needs to be further monitored and his wound dried before he can return to the factory.

We thank the many people who have offered to cook nutritious meals for him and friends who have contributed to his vet bills.

If there is someone out there that has a place in his heart and home for Little Joe, would you kindly take him in? The factory and living under trucks is not a life for this skinny, little sick dog.

To read about Little Joe's Rescue, please click Twist of Fate

How tough can life get?

Pardon us for this long story but we assure you, it is worth the read.

Sharpei was spotted on the streets in an industrial estate in December 2009. He could have been abandoned as he was extremely lost and confused being on the streets. He was very wary of dogs and humans and avoided everyone. He was a loner. If he was eating and another dog approached, he would leave his food and walk off, even if that meant that he forego his only decent meal of the week.

Waiting at the bus stop

Life as an abandoned dog

Sharpei spent his days sleeping at bus stops or under trailers. It took volunteers more than six months to gain his trust, but they never gave up, feeding him three times a week and befriending him. Finally, these volunteers' persistence paid off; they managed to catch him and he was temporarily housed in a friends' factory until they were able to find a foster. Outside the factory lived a black 3-month old female pup. Volunteers named her Bear and housed her in the same factory as Sharpei. Little Bear and Sharpei instantly became fast friends. Big brother Sharpei was very loving towards Bear and protected her from dogs who played rough with her. It was the first time he had a friend.

Just rescued and safe at the factory, but he was sad and afraid

Housed together at the factory with the little Bear

Two days after he was rescued. Look at the difference is his eyes and body language

Sharpei playing dead and refusing to have his very first bath

Sharpei and Bear playing outside the factory, before leaving for the vet

 He's my big brother

Looking out for each other

Playing rough with my big brother

Oops! Think I played too rough!

Last Sunday, both Sharpei and Bear had their first shower and were taken to Mt Pleasant Clinic (Redhill) to be checked by Dr Ang. It was Bear’s very first car ride. Both were microchipped, vaccinated and Sharpei was tested for heartworm. He was given a clean bill of health and Dr Ang estimated him to be between 2-3 years old. Having lived on the streets as an abandoned dog for more than half a year, Sharpei was thin, his bones protruded and he looked older than he actually was. Sharpei has the sweetest temperament and because he also had the build, volunteers decided he could be a future blood donor, given his good health. He just needed to be beefed up.

 Sharpei all excited to go to the vet

 Little Bear being examined by Dr Ang

 Sharpei being microchipped

That's my little nuisance 

Volunteers took both dogs out for the day and it was the first time in their lives they had human company, love and pats. They were happy dogs. When they went back to the factory in the evening, both were fed with brown rice with boiled chicken and eggs - Sharpei's favourite. The volunteers left late at night and both dogs were exhausted from their very first outing. It had been a long, fun day.

It had been a week since Sharpei’s rescue from the streets and volunteers took turns to go to the factory nightly after work to feed Sharpei and Bear. The day after their outing, volunteers went to feed them after work and panicked when Sharpei did not respond when called. Workers said they saw him inside the compound before locking the gates for the day. They called out for him and saw him walking down the lane outside the factory, wobbling and limping. It was 8pm and as he approached them, volunteers got a shock of their lives when they saw Sharpei. His face and ears were bleeding very badly and his right eye was swollen. The flesh below his left eye was ripped off and dangling. Poor Sharpei was relieved to see the volunteers and he put his head on their lap, faint from shock and trauma.

A badly injured Sharpei  (Picture taken from Hp)

It was an emergency and Sharpei needed immediate medical attention. These volunteers who intended to feed him and Little Bear their favourite dinner immediately called Mt Pleasant (Sunset Way) to ask them to hold on and not close for the day. Volunteers quite literally flew Sharpei to the vet, leaving Bear behind. Sharpei collapsed in the back seat of the car, his face bleeding onto the towels and his body shaking uncontrollably. Sharpei arrived at the vet at around 8.30pm and was carried in. Dr Ang tended to him and checked his entire body for wounds. They initially thought that he was hit by an oncoming car but when they shaved fur off, at least 15 puncture wounds could be seen on his face, ears, neck, arms and legs. The most serious injury was the gaping wound on his face. Fortunately, Sharpei's vision was unaffected; thanks to all the folds on his face.

Stitches running down his cheek

He was sedated and his wounds were cleaned. He was also put on drip to stabilize his condition as he was still in shock. The volunteers left the clinic and headed back to the factory to feed Bear. Little Bear was very sad and down, sitting at the gate awaiting Sharpei's return. She knew something was amiss. She quietly ate her food then went back to the gate, waiting for her best friend to return. The volunteers' hearts went out to little Bear and promised her that Sharpei would be back in no time.

The following day we called the Vet to check on Sharpei. His condition had stabilized and he would be operated on. The flesh under his right eye had to be cut off and the gaping hole stitched up. It won’t be easy as his face is very wrinkly.

Puncture wounds on his face, ears and neck

More puncture wounds

Visiting Sharpei at the vet

Volunteers will visit Sharpei nightly to bring him his favourite chicken and rice. They hope he cheers up and gets well soon because little puppy Bear misses him.

Sharpei has to stay at the vet for a few days. Volunteers will also check on Bear to make sure she is not too sad or lonely.

Poor Sharpei will be at Mt Pleasant (Sunset Way) for a day or two and if you would like to visit him, please let us know. You may send a text message to 91996247  . If you wish to contribute to Sharpei's medical bills, do let us know as well. We would greatly appreciate your generosity.

Volunteers are wondering - had Sharpei scaled the 5-ft tall factory fence to escape and look for them, the people he has grown to love and trust deeply? Or might he have almost risked his life for Bear, his little best friend? We will never know why he scaled the tall fence to get outside, nor why he got so badly injured but perhaps an animal communicator might be able to enlighten us. Volunteers will also go back to the factory to look around for the dog that might have attacked Sharpei, perhaps he may need medical help too.

Sharpei and Bear are looking for a real home, a family that will adopt them together and love both of them. They mean the world to each other.

Sad and lonely Bear awaiting her big brother's return

Article contributed by our young volunteer, Jo.

For an update on Sharpet pls visit Update on Sharpei and Little Joe