RSPCA's nationwide Give to Get Them Home appeal is on this Thursday
When a German Shepherd cross named Ruger arrived at RSPCA South Australia's former shelter at Lonsdale last September, his paws were so sore he couldn't walk. The two RSPCA South Australia inspectors who had transported him left him inside the cage and carried it into the vet clinic.
"Ruger had been left to fend for himself after his owner died," RSPCA SA Inspector Stuart Thomas said.
"This poor dog had been foraging for food on the outskirts of Ceduna for weeks.
"We stopped at intervals during the eight-hour drive to Lonsdale to give him mini-meals because too much food too soon is dangerous for an animal in his condition, and he was ravenous."
In addition to being malnourished, Ruger also had a chronic skin condition that was affecting his whole body, including between his toes. Clumps of matted fur, alopecia and infected skin lesions were causing severe irritation, and Ruger was further harming himself by scratching to get some relief.
Five weeks of veterinary treatment and dedicated care from volunteer foster carers, who maintained a strict routine of medications and bathing, turned Ruger's condition around. All his care, including work to address behaviour concerns, was made possible by donations from animal lovers to RSPCA SA.
This Thursday the charity is calling on the South Australian community to dig deep for the one-day only, nationwide RSPCA Give to Get Them Home appeal. Up until midnight on Thursday, every donation will be doubled thanks to national dollar-matching partners Royal Canin, Peter Alexander and Bravecto, state partners author Fiona McCallum and Hickinbotham Homes, and generous local donors.
The appeal is timed to boost funds ahead of RSPCA SA's busiest time of the year, with more than 2,500 animals expected to come through its animal care centres at O'Halloran Hill and Whyalla over the next three months. According to RSPCA SA CEO Marcus Gehrig, Ruger is a typical example of how the charity uses donated dollars to make a real difference in an animal's life.
"Ruger's recovery story is a testament to the teamwork that goes into helping our animals recover," Marcus said.
"His final foster carer ended up adopting him, and to see him now from how he was is pure joy.
"This is the incredible difference donations make possible for animals – I encourage everyone to donate whatever they can this Thursday and enjoy seeing their donation instantly double in front of them."
Donations during the one-day appeal can be made online or via telephone on 1300 777 221. (In order to be doubled, donations must be made via the appeal's dedicated website.)
