When Polly arrived at Teckels Animal Sanctuaries, it was clear she was in distress.
This small, three-year-old cockerpoo had been found as a stray. Her fur was matted tightly to her skin, and her body was covered in open sores, scabs and signs of infection. It was obvious she’d been suffering for a long time.
Even the simplest touch caused her to cry out. She screamed when we gently tried to place a lead on her – not out of fear, but from the pain it caused her damaged skin.
Polly was rushed to the vets for urgent care. The mats had fused with sore, inflamed patches on her body, and many were badly infected. She had to be fully sedated to allow the team to carefully shave and clean her skin – a delicate process made more difficult by the extent of the damage.
Despite everything, Polly still wagged her tail when spoken to.
She longed for human affection, even though being touched brought her pain.
It was heartbreaking to see.
The vet team believes her condition is the result of untreated Demodex, a parasitic skin mite. Without regular preventative care, she had been left scratching herself raw, triggering secondary infections and widespread inflammation.
Right now, Polly is on strong pain relief, antibiotics and undergoing regular medicated baths. She’ll need long-term care to recover – and we’re committed to giving her every chance.
But we need your help.
Polly’s story is sadly not unique. Vets are seeing more and more animals brought in with untreated conditions. The rising cost of living has meant many owners are struggling to afford preventative care or insurance, leading to increased suffering – and, all too often, avoidable euthanasia.
Polly is a gentle, affectionate girl with a playful spirit that’s starting to shine through as her pain eases. Once her immediate treatment is complete, we hope to place her in a foster home where she can continue to heal, before helping her find the loving forever home she deserves.
If you can donate to help cover Polly’s care – and support other animals like her – we would be incredibly grateful.
Every pound makes a difference.
