By Isle of Wight Observer
An abandoned French Bulldog, named Rex, has been given a second chance at life, thanks to the efforts of Isle of Wight charity, Friends of the Animals.
Rex’s struggle for survival began over the recent bank holiday weekend, when he was taken into an Island vet in a critical condition. With the dog finding it very difficult to breathe, the vet recognised that the little bulldog had to be intubated immediately. The vet diagnosed that Rex needed brachycephalic surgery to widen his nostrils and improve airflow. Unable to afford the life-saving operation, his owners decided to sign him over to the vet.
It was then that a member of the vet’s staff reached out to Friends of the Animals to see if they would take Rex into their care. The charity did not hesitate to step in and quickly arranged a foster home for Rex, where he could receive the aftercare he would need following surgery. A spokeswoman said: “How could we not step in when we were faced with the alternative of letting this friendly little dog continue to suffer or die from his condition, which is caused by poor breeding? Poor Rex was slowly suffocating from the day he was born.”
The same day, Rex underwent the life-saving surgery, along with a procedure to shorten his soft palate (staphyloplasty), to help keep his airways clear. He was also neutered. The surgery, which cost more than £2,000, was a success, and Rex was released into the care of his new foster parents the following day, accompanied by lots of medication.
The story doesn’t end there. Moved by Rex’s heart-breaking plight, a kind-hearted staff member at the vet clinic personally contributed £400 towards the surgery costs. Her generosity and the efforts of Friends of the Animals have given Rex a new lease on life.
Now, for the first time in his life, Rex can breathe without a struggle. He has started to play and enjoy life like any other dog and his foster parents are giving him the best possible care. With continued support, Rex can finally look forward to a healthy future, freed from the struggles that once plagued his every breath.
However, the financial burden of Rex’s surgery on the charity is significant and Friends of the Animals is reaching out to the Island for help. Anybody who would like to help contribute towards Rex’s medical bills can do so by calling 522511, Tuesday to Saturday after 10am.
