[UPDATE: December 16th: Peterborough, you came through again. The Peterborough Humane Society asked for your help, and enough money was donated to get Grace the treatment she requires to fully restore her health!]

ORIGINAL POST

In October, Grace, an 8-month-old Chinese Shar Pei mix, was brought into the Peterborough Humane Society as a stray from Selwyn Township. When she arrived, she was in good spirits despite having a serious skin condition which caused her to lose her fur and develop thickened red areas over her entire body. The skin on her face was so swollen it was difficult to determine her breed.

They are unsure how long she had been lost and alone, but the individual who brought Grace into the shelter said she had been hanging around their property for close to a week. Right away, the Humane Society knew she was a lovely dog with a big heart. Even though she was covered in sores and had lost most of her fur, Grace’s tail never stopped wagging.

The Humane Society quickly arranged an appointment with an Animal Hospital to have her fully examined and to determine the extent of her illness. She was soon diagnosed with a mange condition called Demodicosis. The mange is caused by a mite, which occurs naturally in the hair follicles of most dogs, and almost never causes problems. However, in certain situations, such as impaired immune system, intense stress, or malnutrition, the mites can reproduce rapidly—causing debilitating symptoms in sensitive dogs.

Without any hesitation, Humane Society Executive Director, Judy O’Brien, said they would do everything in their power to help bring Grace back to health. Grace’s condition requires several months’ treatment. She has now been on their treatment for over a month and has shown incredible improvements. Her fur has begun to grow back and her skin is no longer red and irritated. Last week, they were able to find a foster home for Grace while she waits for her surgery. She is doing very well with her foster family learning proper house manners, life skills and socializing with other dogs and cats.

With the inflammation in Grace’s face now subdued, it has become apparent she also suffers from entropian—a very uncomfortable condition which causes the eyelids to curl inwards, causing significant irritation to the surface of the eye. If not addressed, entopian can lead to more serious eye problems later in life. The only way to correct this issue is through surgery and that surgery will cost upwards of $1,000.

In order for the Humane Society to pay for Grace’s surgery, they need the community’s help. Without any government funding, the Peterborough Humane Society relies solely on the generosity of the community to help run the shelter. The Humane Society asks that during this busy time of year, you consider helping Grace, the young, energetic and lovable Chinese Shar Pei mix, who needs your help to get the surgery she needs.

For more information on helping, contact Judy O’Brien Executive Director, Peterborough Humane Society at 705-745-4722 ext. 207, or via email. Learn more about the Peterborough Humane Society on their website.

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