Rio needs help!

Poor little whippet lurcher boy Rio is just 8 months old and has already suffered so much.

Rio came to us a few weeks ago with what we were told was a suspected broken growth plate. As you can see from the video below, which was filmed as he arrived with us, he was really struggling to walk.

He was taken for an assessment with the vet, and x-rays revealed this poor dog had broken bones in both hind legs.

Rio underwent an operation to repair one of his legs (there is a lot of bruising in the picture here but we are pleased to report that this soon reduced and he is currently recuperating well in his foster home).

As you can see from the second video, Rio’s walking was much improved after the operation, even with the cast on.

Unfortunately Rio still has some way to go before he will be able to live a normal life. But, he is so young and so deserving of that normal life that we will do everything needed to get him through.

However, the costs are quickly mounting up and we anticipate treating his injuries will cost at least £5,000.

We don’t know how Rio got these injuries, but we do know that he must have been in pain for much of his short life. In addition to his leg injuries, Rio’s teeth were in a terrible state – shocking for an 8 month old pup – and these have been cleaned too.

Rio has suffered much neglect but is now safe, loved and well cared for in an excellent foster home.

We are so grateful for all your donations, they really do help us to provide the care dogs like Rio need.

To make a donation, please click here.