Just as I am writing this article, restaurants and bars have been asked to close for two weeks at least, thus cancelling a lot of our fund raising events. This obviously affects our ability to finance rescues but unfortunately the number of abandoned animals does not cease and as people face economic pressures this has a knock on effect on some and their ability to care for their animals.
Most people will sensibly look for help while a few will choose the other route, abandonment. In our article this month we would like to focus on those abandoned dogs that are leish positive and why they should be given the chance of a loving home too.
Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease found across Europe. It is transmitted to dogs by an infected sandfly. Although Leishmaniasis cannot be cured, it can be managed with cheap medication and most dogs will live a full and happy life with Leish. The disease often goes into remission when a dog is placed in a stable home environment and, with reduced stress and good nutrition, many rescued dogs will be asymptomatic for the rest of their lives. Leishmaniasis cannot be transferred from one dog to another or to humans.
These dogs have the right to a loving permanent home like any other dog. I myself adopted a leish positive dog and after a year on very cheap tablets she has now tested negative and is expected to live a full and normal life. I have never regretted this decision, and monitoring her condition has proved to be very easy with a regular blood test. Spread the word and let’s educate people about leishmania so everyone is happy and confident to give a chance to a leish positive dog.
As usual we would like to thank all our friends and volunteers who continue to support us through these difficult times. Please like our Facebook page; by doing this you can keep up to date on our FMA family and keep track of any future events.
