Little Pocky was surrendered to us at 15 years of age in July. He had not seen a vet for more than seven years. He arrived in a travel crate that was apparently his bed, with a toy, and damp mattress bedding soaked in urine. He was a mass of fleas and one tick on his hip. He had come from at least his second home.

We had been told he was 7 kgs – he was barely 4.5 and so thin when he came to us. A vet visit found out that he had a grade 4 heart murmur, and he had a deep corneal ulcer in his eye. He had a problem with his back legs with muscle wastage and with his right front leg. He had a bronchial type cough and the full work up – bloods, heart and stomach ultrasound – found that he had Grade 2 kidney disease, liver issues, and most likely gastritis.

Apparently he had been walked every few days and left alone 10-12 hours every working day. Now he had company most of the time and a new foster sibling, a labrador, whom he loved.

When medication did not heal the eye ulcer Pocky had the eye debrided under topical anaesthetic by the ophthalmologist. He was not fit for a heavy anaesthetic for full eye surgery but the eye continued to trouble him and he had contact lens put in for temporary relief (we had not heard of this before).

We were told he was a fussy eater but he ate everything that was put in front of him initially and wanted more. Once the bloodwork came back we tried to modify him to a renal diet but unfortunately the harm had been done for a long time. Sadly Pocky went down fast.

Pocky had everything he needed or had ever wanted in his few months with us. He was such a sweet dog. He would race to the garage door and to get in the car as he was so desperate not to be left behind. Even though he didn’t have much vision he determinedly would head outside to toilet.

His carer described his night time ritual during his time with us –  “Pocky is a sweet little old man. He’s obviously had a lonely time and took a while to come out of his shell.

He will shiver and shake with anxiety but wrap him up in a soft blanket and hold him with his heated wheat bag (wrapped up in a hand towel) under his belly and he will relax and hold your arm with his chin as he falls asleep with a sigh of contentment.” 

Pocky, we are so sorry you didn’t have more time with us. But you were loved for those few months and  you did know that. We like to think that in those first weeks when you were with us, and you loved your walks, your food, and your new life, you tried to keep going as long as you could, but your body just let you down too quickly.

Sleep well Pocky and dream of lots of walks, company, good food and love.