Storm

Today I want you to meet a special friend called Storm. Two-year-old bulldog Storm has undergone a facelift after her distinctive features became so pronounced they affected her breathing. The operation was carried out at the Dogs Trust centre in Bridgend but Storm must return for eye surgery. The dog had been taken in after her owner could not longer look after her.

The breed has exaggerated facial features which can affect some dogs and staff noticed Storm had developed breathing problems. The operation involved pulling back the skin folds on the bridge of Storm's nose and removing some of the excess."A facelift is an uncommon procedure for a dog but we know it will make a huge difference in improving her quality of life," said vet Stephanie Marshall.

If left untreated the dog could have developed severe skin infections. The trust says Storm has become one of a handful of dogs in Britain to undergo the procedure at its centre. Staff had been cleaning the dog's face daily to ensure the skin did not become infected.But when the folds of skin started to cut off the dog's breathing they decided action was needed.

Storm

Now Storm has been found a new home by the charity but she is due to return to undergo eye surgery for a condition that causes irritation when the eyelid folds inwards.

Get well soon Storm

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Poppy and Abbey

Lilly

Pit bulls sometimes get a bad name, but here is our doggie friend who is a real pit bull hero. 

Lilly risked her life to pull her unconscious owner from the path of an oncoming freight train last week. The loyal dog suffered serious injuries but saved her owner. Christine Spain was walking home with Lilly when she fell unconscious onto a railway tracks. Before long, a freight train was heading towards them. The driver hit the brakes and got off the train to find woman unharmed. However, Lilly suffered severe injury to her right foot. She also fractured her pelvis in multiple locations and sustained other internal injuries.

Lilly

David Lanteigne a Boston police officer had rescued Lilly a few years ago as a therapy dog for his mother. David said "I truly believe things happen for a reason. We found Lilly to save her life, and she returned the favour. She almost died here." Lilly's foot could not be saved and her right front leg had to be amputated, but her veterinarian said she should be able to walk once she has recovered. Due to her age, Lilly must recover from the amputation before she can undergo surgery for her other injuries.

Despite the trauma she has endured the canine hero is on the road to recovery. Lilly's owner said "I'm supposed to be the strong one. I'm supposed to be here for her, but she's been so great, so tough through all this that it almost feels like she's the one comforting me, being there for me and making me feel better."

A fund has been set up to help offset Lilly's medical care, which will likely run into the thousands of dollars. For more information, visit www.mspca.org/helplilly.


Today we wish Lilly a speedy recovery and a long and happy life.

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Poppy and Abbey