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In January, FUDGE, a German Shepherd about eight years old was found wandering in a quarry in Lancaster. She was in very poor health with significant weight loss and muscle wasting. Her coat was matted with a large area of hair loss. Walking was a problem and she had a weak bark. Fudge went into foster care to be lovingly helped to regain her health and strength.

Over the weeks she has received intensive care and her hair has regrown. Despite initial improvement in her walking, she is showing signs of Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a condition similar to that of MS in humans; and a disease recognised in German Shepherd Dogs. Fudge’s hips are weak, she is unsteady when walking and had worn away her nails. Her general health has improved and she is happy and in no pain, but DM shortens lives. She has signs of cataracts, but still has good eyesight, she has some deafness, but responds so well to hand gestures, it is not a significant problem.

Fudge is a loving and affectionate girl, never aggressive and will be staying in foster care. She loves physical contact and company and attempts to play if other dogs visit. She has a comfy bed, a garden to wander around and goes for short ambling walks on grassy areas.

Fudge - RIP - 12 Nov 2009

Over recent weeks Fudge’s condition deteriorated. The disease process of DM became more apparent, seriously affecting all her mobility and bodily functions. It became obvious that she was no longer happy and that everyday life was just too much effort for her.

Rest in Peace, our bonnie girl.