From around the world
Part XIII
Tam
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS): This is a rare hereditary condition that is probably unknown to most folks outside of the medical and veterinary profession. It affects both humans and animals and has been documented in dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, cats and marine mammals.
It is a genetic collagen disorder causing fragile connective tissue, leading to loose stretchy skin that easily tears, poor wound healing, abnormal scar formation, joint laxity, arthritis, plus eye and heart issues. There is no known cure and the condition must be carefully managed. In extreme cases where pain management in animals cannot be controlled then sadly euthanasia is the only option.
In Morocco, there is a shelter called the Sunshine Animal Refuge Agadir. (SARA) This is not an ordinary shelter; it caters for animals with special needs, and Tam certainly qualifies because he not only suffers from EDS, but he has been blind from birth.
Tam, who is one of the oldest residents and his sister Daccia have lived in the shelter all of their lives. Their siblings were all adopted, but due to their health issues, the two of them were never found permanent homes. They both spend their days playing, chilling out, usually lying in the sun or the shade. Naturally, Tam can be wary of strangers and takes time to be relaxed if there is any change in his routine; however, he is a very affectionate dog and responds well to people if they take the time to spend with him. Only being able to rely on scent with no sight, Tam needs prospective human friends, including the staff at the shelter, to be doubly patient when being around him.
There is, however, a group of friends that Tam trusts implicitly, and a unique friendship has grown up between him and the shelter’s feline population.
Amongst his most affectionate admirers is Elodie, a cat resident of the shelter who regularly offers Tam a gentle massage which he readily accepts. Being a gentle, kind, unassuming canine, he is never short of feline friends, with the quality of his life greatly enhanced by the companionship and massaging of the cats.
The Human Chain
Visitors to the town of Almarty, Kazakhstan, will come across a monument to the courage of a few people, total strangers to each other, as they took part in rescuing a trapped dog. The rescue occurred in 2016, and ten years later, in March 2026, a rather unusual monument was unveiled. Normally, monuments stand on a plinth and are a tribute to famous individuals; however, this one stands exactly where the deed took place. It is an initiative of the local authority and is designed to capture an event that went viral at the time.
In 2016, a dog had managed to end up trapped in a drainage channel, and with the water rushing by, the intrepid canine was in grave danger of being swept away. A young lad slid down the slope with the intention of rescuing the mutt; unfortunately, having made the attempt with the best of intentions, he really hadn’t thought it through. Having descended the very steep slope, it became obvious that he himself was in the same predicament as the dog. Trapped!!!
This led to an extraordinary event that was, in fact, caught on camera.
A group of local lads formed a human chain in order to rescue both lad and dog. This involved a bunch of young men having to put their trust in total strangers. This wasn’t a human chain on flat, even ground; this was on a terrifying, steep slope. These weren’t professionals with specialist knowledge, wearing appropriate clothing with helmets and safety equipment. Now it must be remembered that if even one of them had lost their grip, the result would have been catastrophic, almost certainly resulting in serious injuries to some of the guys.
This rather different statue is a monument to how total strangers can come together in teamwork, courage and compassion. In a world in which we find ourselves constantly being faced every day with the news of the most horrible events, this does show that humanity, whilst appearing to be so absent, is still alive and kicking.
Bonnie
Exemption Dog Shows in England are usually held in aid of charities or non-profit organisations where entries are accepted on the day and include novelty classes such as: The dog with the waggiest tail, The dog that the judge would like to take home, the cutest dog, etc
It is one word that terrifies every pet owner, the one word that you pray that you will never hear. Missing!
In West Sussex, England, they had decided to calmly walk through the open garden gate and go for a Sunday morning walkabout. The family enlisted the assistance of friends and neighbours, contacted police, shelters and vets and searched the neighbourhood, all to no avail. Having tried everything that they could think of, they were inconsolable.
On the same day, John Wilmer was driving to a dog exhibition with his two dogs and spotted a beagle-type dog wandering and at risk from traffic. Concerned for its safety, he encouraged it to get into his car. Fortunately, Bonnie is a cheerful, good-natured dog and happily settled with John and his two dogs. John continued with his journey, arrived in time and entered his two dogs in the chosen classes.
A delightful day was had by all, and having arrived home, John put his day out on Facebook and requested that if anyone knew of someone who had lost a dog, let him know. Paula saw the post, contacted John and Bonnie, and her owners were reunited. There was, however, a side story that made the day quite unique. Enjoying his day out at the dog show, John, on the spur of the moment, decided to enter Bonnie into the Rescue Dog Class.
She came third, and so when she finally arrived home, she was wearing a bright yellow rosette!!
“Dogs may be a part of our lives but to them we are their world.”
Anon
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