Pasy, March 2019
Pansy and Dennis arrived at the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre along with several other schnauzers saved from puppy farms. It was clear from the start that both had problems with their eyes and almost certainly had cataracts. What wasn’t known was how much vision either of them had, but it was believed not to be much.
Of the two, Pansy was by far the most timid. The emotional trauma of being confined for years in a puppy farm had obviously taken its toll on her emotional as well as physical wellbeing. It was to be some weeks of careful, sensitive care by DBARC staff and volunteers before Pansy would come out of her shell.
Dennis on the other hand was a live wire from the start. Although he had some noteable issues from being in a puppy farm and having limited vision, indeed if any, he was certainly not as daunted and damaged as many dogs are.
Volunteer Julia, adoptive mum to Nellie, herself a puppy farm rescue got to know Pansy and Dennis well during her visits.
Pansy would flinch and turn her body away when I walked into the kennel. She would cower and was not even able to take a treat from my hand. Over the months, it’s been heartwarming to see her slowly blossom into the dog she always should have been.
Every dog that arrives in rescue is unique, even if they have experienced similar, dreadful prior lives. Much as we never expect humans to behave the same following trauma, we cannot assume dogs will either. Dennis’s character got him through his years of ordeal in ways that Pansy could not.
Dennis, late March 2019
After a few weeks, Pansy and Dennis were ready to be assessed for eye surgery. It was hoped that for both dogs cataract sugery would be possible and successful. It’s never guaranteed it will even be possible to operate until the specialists properly assess. On their first visit to the Ralph Veterinary Referral Centre, Julie, assitant manager at DBARC said Dennis took it all in his stride, rather looking upon it as a jolly good day out!
Dennis and Pansy at the Ralph Veterinary Referral Centre
Both were given the go-ahead for cataract operations, both eyes for Pansy but only one was possible for Dennis due to complications in his other. The surgery duly took place and both dogs recovered well back in the secure, experienced hands of the DBARC team. Julia again,
Little things I noticed with Dennis after his surgery: his walking on the lead is so much better, he’s confident, pushing forward and eager for positive human interaction.
This is seen here too in the video, Dennis is enjoying following his toy with his new eyesight and Pansy comes out of the playhouse to join in.
And today both Pansy and Dennis are going off to enjoy the rest of their lives, with their new, wonderful family. Everybody involved is very happy to see their lives blossom and know that they will continue to thrive in their new home.
Pansy and Dennis all set to head off with their new family