We have recently taken in a 4 year old staffie X with a long list of medical needs. Hockey arrived needing urgent treatment for a severe heart murmur and arrhythmia.

Hockey is believed to have a Grade 5 heart murmur and requires a 24 hour ECG and a heart scan to establish the severity of this murmur and how the arrhythmia will impact his daily life. Hockey has joint problems due to his badly bowed back legs. Without medication he is in constant pain and this poor boy is unable to sit down properly. He has a cauliflower ear that requires surgery but this cannot be done yet due to his heart murmur. If that wasnt enough he also has a chronic skin condition that needs constant management, mild incontinence and his vision is not 100% clear.

Despite all this Hockey is the sweetest, softest dog you could ever wish to meet and he LOVES everyone! This has led to the staff affectionately calling him Hockey aka Lovebug. He can often be found curled up in his bed with a soft toy in his mouth or carrying his favourite toy on a walk.

Deputy Manager, Ruth Rickard said: "When I heard about this poorly, young boy I just knew we would be able to help him. He reminded me of my first rescue dog from Gables, Shady, who was a severely malnourished staffie X. Since then I have always had a soft spot for bull breeds and just had to help dear Hockey. We are determined to find the right palliative care home for this lovely boy and will fund his care for life, no matter how long that may be."

Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the Coronavirus pandemic, but we are determined to help Hockey aka Lovebug. If we are lucky enough to raise more money than is needed it will go towards helping the other animals in our care.