Meet Frank
Every now and then, a dog arrives at Teckels who reminds us exactly why we do what we do. Frank is one of those dogs.
This little sausage dog came to us just over a week ago as a stray through the pound system. He’s only around a year old, but he’s already been through more than any dog should have to deal with. And yet, the moment you meet him, you’d never know it. He’s happy, waggy, full of life, and completely unaware that anything is wrong.
That’s the thing about Frank. He doesn’t know he’s broken.
What the X-rays revealed
When Frank arrived, it was clear something wasn’t right with one of his legs. He was holding it at an awkward angle, struggling to move it properly, and his little back was visibly compensating for the strain.
Our vets carried out X-rays, and the results told a painful story. Frank had suffered a nasty break to one of his ankles at some point in his short life. It had never been treated. Over time, the break had fused, leaving him completely unable to bend his leg. His body had been working overtime to cope, holding the leg at an unnatural angle just to stop it from dragging along the ground.
Like so many strays who come through the pound system, Frank’s medical needs had been entirely neglected. Nobody had looked after him. Nobody had taken him to a vet. He’d just been left to get on with it.
The only way forward
Our veterinary team has assessed every option, and the conclusion is clear. The only way to give Frank a pain-free future is to amputate the affected leg.
It’s not the news anyone wants to hear, but it’s the right decision for Frank. The fused joint can’t be repaired, and leaving it as it is means a lifetime of discomfort and worsening strain on his back. Amputation gives him the chance to live a full, happy, comfortable life without pain holding him back.
To keep costs as low as possible, our vets will carry out Frank’s neutering at the same time as the amputation. It’s one of the ways we make sure every pound donated to Teckels is spent as responsibly as possible.
The total cost of Frank’s surgery will be around £2,000.
The dog behind the diagnosis
Here’s what the medical notes don’t tell you. Frank is an absolute joy.
He’s affectionate, playful, and has a tail that doesn’t stop wagging. He greets everyone like they’re his favourite person. He’s been through neglect, abandonment, and a painful injury that nobody bothered to treat, and somehow none of it has dimmed his spirit.
Dogs like Frank don’t dwell on the past. They just get on with it. And that’s exactly what Frank is doing. He’s getting on with being happy, being loved, and being the loveliest little dog in the building.
He just needs a bit of help to get to the next chapter.
How you can help
Frank’s surgery is funded entirely by donations. Teckels is a small, independent rescue charity, and every penny we spend on veterinary care comes from the generosity of people who believe every animal deserves a chance.
If you can help Frank, no matter how small the amount, it makes a real difference. Your donation goes directly toward giving this little boy the pain-free life he deserves.
👉 Donate to help Frank
You can also help by sharing Frank’s story. The more people who see it, the closer we get to giving him the fresh start he’s been waiting for.
