When Briton’s owner took him to the vet, the twelve-year-old dog thought it was just a routine checkup. Despite having mobility and skin issues, he could never have guessed the true reason behind the visit. The owner’s shocking request to euthanize their senior pet left the vet stunned, prompting a thorough examination that would change everything for Briton.
Briton Gets A Second Chance
The vet explained to Briton’s owner that there were still many golden years ahead for the dog and urged them to reconsider. After hearing about Briton’s predicament, the staff at the Richmond SPCA spoke with the owner, emphasizing that euthanasia was not justified given his health condition. This conversation led to the owner choosing to surrender Briton to the shelter, giving him a second chance at life.
Tabitha Treloar, the director of communications for Richmond SPCA, noted that Briton’s family was moving and couldn’t bring him along. It seemed they were unaware of the alternatives available to them. Rather than casting blame, the Richmond SPCA team welcomed Briton with open arms, intent on transforming his life.
The vet team noticed Briton often dragged the tops of his paws on the ground. An X-ray revealed he was suffering from intervertebral disc disease and arthritis in multiple joints, including his shoulders and hips. They reached out to specialists to find the best treatment for his condition.
The Pup Gets All The Necessary Care
In addition to these issues, Briton faced skin problems, including thickened skin, flea infestation, and hair loss. The Richmond SPCA vet team stepped in to treat his skin and remove masses, although they were uncertain if his fur would fully regrow due to the duration of his condition. Daily application of topical treatments was part of the caregivers’ routine to help improve his thickened skin. With hopes that Briton, who currently weighs 54 pounds, would lose some excess weight, the aim was to enhance his mobility.
Thanks to the dedicated staff, Briton’s condition began to improve. He became energetic and thrived on the cuddles from his human friends. The vet staff suspected that his hair loss was tied to an allergic reaction to fleas, and once his flea infestation was under control, his skin condition improved significantly.
Briton is currently in foster care with Renai, one of the dedicated volunteers at the Richmond SPCA. Although he enjoys the pampering and affection from his foster mom, he yearns for a forever home. The team at the shelter believes Briton would thrive best in a home without stairs and would benefit from a ramp to help him access vehicles more easily.
I hope this wonderful dog finds a loving human who will shower him with the care he deserves.
