Seriously injured and abandoned 'Lenny', rescued in Waterford City, is thriving after leg amputation
Lenny was taken immediately to the vet by the ISPCA Inspector
A young 7-month-old stray Lurcher dog found abandoned and wandering the streets of Waterford City is now thriving after having his leg amputated, such was the seriousness of his injuries when found.
A spokesperson for Waterford ISPCA told Waterford News & Star the dog was found straying in the city centre with a severely broken leg and in urgent need of veterinary care.
The tan male Lurcher, now named 'Lenny' by rescuers, was found wandering alone, in the heart of the city by a concerned member of the public.
"He was limping and clearly in pain and distress," said the spokesperson.
"The kind-hearted person alerted the ISPCA and stayed with the dog, until the ISPCA arrived," she added.
When ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey arrived, she discovered there was a gash on the young dog’s hind leg, which was also extremely swollen.
The dog was immediately taken to Dungarvan for an urgent assessment and pain relief. There was no microchip present and he was not neutered.
'Lenny' was so exhausted that he could barely stay awake during a veterinary assessment and was falling asleep while standing.
X-rays confirmed that he had a serious break to his Tibia.
The injury, believed to have occurred several days earlier, had become severely infected due to lack of treatment.
"After careful assessment, the vet determined that amputation was the most humane and viable option to relieve his suffering, and to give him a chance at a pain-free life," said the ISPCA spokesperson, who also expressed "huge thanks" to the vet in Riverside vets who performed the surgery.
She also expressed gratitude to the staff who gave Lenny the best level of aftercare.
Following Lenny’s surgery, he was transferred to the ISPCA’s Wicklow Centre, where he received round-the-clock care and rehabilitation.
"His gentle spirit remained strong throughout his recovery and shortly after, in a heart-warming turn of events, he was adopted into a permanent, loving home, where is now loved and cared for," said the spokesperson.
Meanwhile, ISPCA Senior Inspector Alice Lacey said: "Lenny was extremely despondent when I met him. As he was carried and placed in my van, I could see that he was in severe pain. He was very subdued and had the most anguished look in his eyes. At that point, when he looked at me, I think he knew he was safe."
"I rushed him to the veterinary clinic," said Alice.
"He was so exhausted from carrying the weight of his broken leg, that he closed his eyes while standing up, almost falling asleep," she added.
"Lenny, a dog who was once nameless and homeless, now has a new identity and a new lease of life".
In particular, Alice highlighted Lenny's gentle nature which prevailed throughout his ordeal.
"Despite everything he had been through, his gentle nature never faded," she said.
"We’re thrilled he’s now safe, happy, and deeply loved," she added.
The ISPCA spokesperson said Lurcher dog breeds often get overlooked in kennels for smaller dogs and they can be in ISPCA care for some time, before being adopted.
"If you are considering adopting a new pet, not only would you be changing a pet’s life, but in return you will gain a devoted friend for life," she said.
To find out more visit the ISPCA’s website https://ispca.ie/adoptions/
The ISPCA continues to advocate for responsible pet ownership such as veterinary care and treatment, neutering and microchipping, which is a legal requirement and urges the public to continue to report any injured, neglected and abused animals to their National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515515.
Additionally, donations and support help ensure that vulnerable animals just like Lenny get the second chance they deserve. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the ISPCA can do so through https://ispca.ie/donations/
