Rescued Rosie battles degenerative disease

Rescued Rosie battles degenerative disease

By Maurice Garvey

A DOG rescued from unscrupulous dealers by Clondalkin Animal Ark eight years ago, is learning to walk on wheels while battling a rare progressive disease.

Rosie, a half Labrador/Rottweiler, was recently diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy, effectively turning her back legs to jelly.

Rosie and Geraldine Haskins June 2016

Despite the high cost of medical treatment and extensive care, her carers are giving Rosie every chance to enjoy a happy life and with their care she is starting to gradually improve.

Rosie was one of a litter rescued by Geraldine and Peter Haskins from CAA.

“We went and met this guy who had them in the boot of his car asking for €80 each,” said Geraldine.

“We told him we were from an animal welfare group, and wanted to see the parents of the pups. He got flustered, said he had papers in his car, and drove off leaving the puppies behind. We took them and got homes for all except Rosie.”

She continued: “The puppies were walking with fleas and their eyes were sore, but we gave them a good washing, worming, and plenty of TLC.”

A few months ago, they noticed Rosie in minor discomfort, and after several visits to the vets to determine the problem, an MRI scan confirmed the worst.

“There is no known cure, it’s like MS for humans,” said Geraldine.

“After the initial shock, we asked the vet would it be kinder to let Rosie go to sleep, but he said she is a strong dog, and with plenty of TLC she could live a very good life.”

Geraldine set up a Facebook page ‘Rosie’s fight against DM’ – appealing for support from dog lovers to cover Rosie’s massive bills.

Rosie 08 Geraldine Haskins

Geraldine continued: “The MRI scan was €1,500, plus we got her a special designed wheel chair from the USA, a lifting harness and special vitamins to boost her up.

“We are also sending her for aqua therapy each week, and we go through nappies and blankets at warp speed as Rosie is incontinent. We are studying this deadly disease and hope to get research centres like UCD on board.

“Also we need more MRI scans for animals in this country, as there are only three here at present.”

Animal Ark operate a shelter for all types of small animals.

“There is no place to call for small animals like rabbits or birds,” said Geraldine, from her Clondalkin home, which acts as a sanctuary for abused, injured or neglected animals.

A benefit night for Rosie takes place in Boomers pub on Friday, June 24, at 8pm.

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