FRANKIE, according to eye-witnesses, got thrown out off a car by gypsies before they entered the boot ferry. Consisting only of skin and bone, he stayed at the new port - where else to go and who would want to feed or to touch such a dreadfully sick looking dog. After his existence and miserable condition became known to us, I went to pick him up to make an end to his suffering !!! When I finally found him, he could hardly walk anymore, therefore I carried him to the vehicle and drove immediately to the veterinarian Konstaninos Keramidas.
The veterinary surgeon placed the diagnosis to “malnutrition “and began an according therapy. Frankie lived from then on in a metal box at the veterinarian and twice a day I drove to him in order to clean his box and take him for a walk to ad a little joy to his life. Despite his frightening looking physical condition, he found much love and affection from the people he met at the vet and each day became somewhat stronger and even happier.
When after one week finally the first blood test was present, the result was bitter: Positively Ehrlichia canis. Since the infection must have already taken place before some time, the result of the treatment with antibiotics was doubtful. In addition Frankie could not remain any longer at the veterinary because of expenses and as well he had to get out of that box. In order to continue his therapy I used the only other alternative which was a chain with a running rail behind the Palladium. But isolation was probably the last thing he needed at this point of his recovery, even the daily walks could not cheer him up anymore or animate him to eat properly.
But his gratitude sparkled from each pore of his maltreated body and although new hair had regenerated on his skinny body, his weight had not increased at all.
Never the less Frankie's eyes radiated stronger than the sun - we simply had to win this fight !!!
10 days later the Vet made a new blood test: Suspicion on Leishmania. A destroying result! The treatment is very strenuous for the organism and with a generally demolished health condition it could be deadly for Frankie. With the beginning of the treatment, the little energy Frankie had managed to achieve, slowly but surly left his body again to a point where it was only torture for him.
He spent the last days of his surely very sad life with me, since it was very difficult for me to let him go! And when the day arrived that he was laying on the operating table for the last time, his tail never stopped waggling.
Bumm….Bumm ...... Bumm ......... Bumm ............. Bumm ................. Bumm ........................ Bumm .......................................... Bumm ...........................................
Up to his last breath his love for human beings, who had tormented him his whole life, was unbroken. I have never in my life and I surely never will get to know an animals that was as affectionate and grateful as Frankie! It was my great honour spending some time with him!
Frankie found a worthy and peaceful resting- place together with my deceased dogs, but in my heard he will always stay alive.
Mykonos September / Oktober 2008
