At the height of the coronavirus pandemic and April 2020 shutdowns, thirteen-year-old Gertie arrived at our Lonsdale Shelter in crippling discomfort.
Not only was she suffering chronic ear and skin infections, but the poor old girl was covered in tumours – and, on top of that, she had painful dental disease.
It was a difficult time for everyone.
But – our dedicated veterinary and animal care team, and kindhearted animal lovers across SA, were determined not to give up on dear old Gertie.
In times of trouble, donors still step up to help Gertie
We didn’t know how long Gertie had been left to suffer without treatment, but our vets got to work quickly and carefully to relieve her of the pain she’d been subjected to for too long.
The RSPCA veterinary team removed Gertie’s lumps, flushed her ears and extracted several teeth, as well as placing her on a course of antibiotics and pain relief.
Gertie was now ready to go on a trial adoption with someone special, but she still required ongoing treatment, and we would do everything we could to provide ongoing support for her. So we reached out for help.
We were truly touched by the response.
Even in the midst of a global pandemic and an uncertain economic climate, our wonderful supporters donated over $1,000 to help Gertie.
This brave girl would soon meet someone who would give her the care and attention she truly deserved.
‘I just wanted to take her in and give her a loving home for the rest of her time, however short that may be’
When Glenys saw Gertie’s photo on the adoption page on our website, she instantly fell in love.
“She looked so beautiful, and like she had a kind soul,” Glenys shares.
“When I saw her age and all her medical conditions I just wanted to take her in and give her a loving home for the rest of her time, however short that may be.”
Glenys excitedly took Gertie home to support her through her ongoing treatments, and the two became so close that Glenys decided to adopt Gertie permanently.
Now, Gertie is living her retirement years in luxury.
When she’s not sleeping on the couch and eating treats, Gertie can be found on afternoon walks, where she interacts with her many fans around the neighbourhood!
“They all think she is beautiful,” Glenys dotes.
On the weekends, Gertie enjoys going on drives to visit friends – and she even watches soccer in her favourite jumper.
Safe to say, the rest of Gertie’s time on earth will be spent filled with love and comfort.
A big thank you to those who made it possible
Having become so close with her darling dog, Glenys is so glad she had the chance to open up her home to Gertie for her remaining years. But it’s only thanks to the generosity of those who funded Gertie’s care in her time of need.
“I am really grateful to everyone who donated towards her medical care,” Glenys says.
“She’s had a tough run in the last few months with lots of surgeries and treatments, but things are looking up.”
We couldn’t have thought of a better home for Gertie to spend her golden years.
Thank you, Glenys, and thank you to all our supporters.
From the bottom of our hearts, we’re so grateful to all our supporters who made Gertie’s new life with Glenys a reality. If you’d like to continue helping animals just like Gertie, to see our current emergency appeals.
