Duchess’ mission in life was to never leave her human’s side.
She followed the elderly gentleman, who resided in Red Deer, everywhere – to his car, on walks, and even to where he slept.
Last month, he passed away at home. His brother found him, and Duchess was still at his side.
Today the five-year-old Border Collie mix needs a new home. Her past owner’s family did not have the means to take care of her.
Innisfail resident Angela Privy, is currently fostering Duchess with the assistance of Bob Mattice, co-owner of The Doggie Door.
“She was really sad. You could tell by her body language. Dogs will mourn,’ said Mattice. “For days after she would follow the step the man had taken around the house.”
As much as the now homeless pooch was loved by her past human she did develop a serious health issue. Duchess is grossly overweight. When she found mid-May she weighed 115 lbs. – twice her normal weight.
While her previous owner did the best he could for Duchess the canine’s diet often included bacon and eggs in the morning, which is a potentially lethal diet.
“I don’t think people realize the importance of a proper diet for animals,” said Privy. “People can kill their animals with kindness.”
After Duchess was brought to Innisfail she was taken to Poplar Grove Veterinary where she was under the care of veterinarian Lynne Copeland.
She said Duchess will make a great companion pet once her weight is brought down to normal. Copeland said the canine is now being fed with special canine diet food. Duchess has lost at least 10 lbs. since last month and has become more energetic as a result.
“We see so much obesity in animals today,” said Copeland, adding that allowing an animal to become grossly overweight can be considered “unintentional abuse.’
“It can be just as catastrophic as intentional abuse,” she added.
Meanwhile, everyone agrees Duchess is a wonderful companion pet – lovable and loyal.
But Mattice said he will not just hand her over to any new human. First Duchess still has to lose more weight, and then any potential new human must demonstrate he or she will make sure the canine receives proper diet and exercise.
If any citizen is interested in adopting Duchess he or she can contact Mattice at 403-227-7250 or on his cell phone at 403-506-8243. Citizens can also contact Privy at either 403-227-4717 or 403-304-9367.
