A little dog found alone and frightened in the Fullerton Dam in Buncrana has been lapping up lots of love and care with a kind-hearted local family.
The dog, affectionately named ‘Benson’, was discovered in the Illies on Friday. After several attempts by concerned members of the community to catch him, local couple Jodie and Eamonn Harkin were finally able to secure him safely on Saturday afternoon and take him to the vet.
Benson was found in the Fullerton dam in the Illies but was too frightened to let people approach him. Photo: Lost and Found Dogs Buncrana
On inspection, it appeared that Benson had been living rough for a very long time.
With no microchip and no sign of an owner coming forward, the Harkins took Benson into their home until another vet trip on Monday revealed serious health issues.
Jodie said: “He was deemed to be in a very poor condition and is over 10 years old.
“He has cataracts in both eyes, an ear infection, a urine infection, worms, multiple broken teeth and gum issues plus signs of prostate cancer and heartbreakingly they believe the black burn on his back is from having boiling oil poured onto him.
“From his condition we believe he’s been living rough a very long time, although we hadn’t intended on keeping him we do want to give him a chance for the rest of his days, however long that will be.”
Benson soon after being secured by the Harkins
Jodie and Eamonn already have three rescue dogs and were moved by the thought of Benson’s life so far.
They are now taking careful steps to groom him and have him neutered to remove any possible cancer.
After a three-hour-long surgery on Wednesday, Benson is being treated with plenty of cuddles and chicken in his adopted home.
They will need to wait 28 days to see if an owner claims Benson, but Jodie says the vet feels this is unlikely given his condition.
Benson is now recovering with antibiotics and painkillers
With a lot of interest in Benson’s welfare on the Lost and Found Dogs Buncrana Facebook page, the Harkins decided to set up a GoFundMe for people to help pay towards Benson’s growing vet bills. More than €1,200 has been donated by animal lovers so far.
Benson will need another surgery in a week’s time, depending on his recovery.
“He will likely have to have on going treatments / medications so the fundraiser is allowing us to focus on giving the cuddles and not worrying about how we can pay for everything,” Jodie said.
“It’s so sad that he’s had an awful life so far; but he’s fought this long, let’s give him a chance to be healthy and happy with a safe home for the rest of his little life.”
Visit the GoFundMe appeal here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/e8ze2t-bensons-vet-bills?utm_content=ai_control_ios