This month we are featuring two dogs who have been waiting some time for a home and have the Mediterranean disease leishmaniasis. This disease is commonly referred to as ‘leish’ and not widely known about amongst us Brits. It is a condition brought on by sand flies which bite the skin of the host; the dog. The name sand fly is a little misleading as they are most abundant in gardens, parklands and woodland.
There are two types of leishmaniasis; one affects the skin. Symptoms include scaling and thickening of the skin, ulcers and hair loss. The other affects organs in the abdominal cavity, causing weight loss, diarrhoea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Many dogs may be infected and show no symptoms at all as the incubation period can be from one month to several years. A blood test performed by a vet will detect the parasite circulating in blood cells. All dogs from Los Infiernos Perrera are tested prior to adoption. Dogs with low level leish are able to lead normal lives with the administration of a small, inexpensive pill on a daily basis.
Adopting a dog with leishmaniasis should not be taken lightly and thorough tests and comprehensive advice should be sought from a qualified veterinarian.
Max – dob approx 0ctober 2017
Max is a young and very strong boy, therefore he needs a home that will give him activity and exercise. He is a good boy and very loving, but needs a daily routine or he gets stressed. Max is sociable, although with males you have to go carefully. He is beautiful, but if you are looking for a quiet dog, Max is not for you. He is the perfect dog for people who like an active lifestyle. He has very low level Leishmaniasis and cannot be homed with cats.
Rusky – dob July 7th 2011
Rusky is a lovely little dog who likes to sit on your lap. He is fully house trained and extremely well behaved in the home. Rusky loves cuddles from his humans. He is ok with other dogs, but not great with cats.
A recent successful adoption was Kylie; a beautiful black dog, (Black Dog Syndrome is an article for another edition.), who had been awaiting a home for a long time. She has leishmaniasis and is also deaf. She is now doing great. Her coat is gleaming and she goes walking on the promenade three times a day with her family who say she is so nice to everybody.
Call it a leap of faith, but we think these dogs deserve a home as much as any other.
Los Infiernos Perrera is around ten minutes from San Javier Military Airport. It has a no kill policy. Currently there are in the region of 250 dogs looking for a home. Dog walkers are always needed on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings from 9am-1pm.
Donations can be made to LIPS via Paypal losinfiernosdogs@hotmail.com
Please check out the dogs available for adoption on our Facebook page, Los Infiernos Perrera Supporters.
Dogs, for a reason that can only be described as divine, have the ability to forgive, let go of the past and live each day joyously. It’s
something the rest of us strive for. (Jennifer Skiff)