Neglected Maltese Cross Lincoln Finds a Happy Home

Maltese cross NEH 053 named ‘Lincoln’ arrived at The Lost Dogs' Home on Saturday 9 January as a stray after being discovered ambling aimlessly around an industrial site. Ten-year-old Lincoln had no form of identification and was in poor condition. Staff could only assume he’d been callously abandoned by his owners after years of neglect.

Lincoln’s coat was severely matted, dirty and flea-ridden. On arrival, he was checked for a microchip, given food, water and a comfortable bed in kennel #R3 while under the watchful eye of veterinary and shelter staff.

The day Lincoln arrived at The Lost Dogs' Home, eight other stray dogs were admitted, a typical Saturday at the Home. Like Lincoln, they were checked for identification and given a comfortable, safe place to rest. Owners of dogs with ID were contacted; thankfully seven were reclaimed by their owners over the following days. Lincoln and one other dog, NEH 071, began their mandatory eight day hold period. Neither of them were microchipped or wearing identification collars and sadly, it was clear from their poor conditions that their owners no longer cared about their welfare. They waited in hope however, that someone would come looking for them.

During Lincoln’s stay in kennel R3, our senior staff decided to relieve him of the discomfort caused by his matted and flea ridden coat. He was clipped, washed and given lots of cuddles and love. He relished the human contact he received during grooming, attention he’d obviously craved for many years. Just in case his owners did come, a photo of Lincoln in his pre-clipped state was left on the front of his pen.

Nine days went by and after no owners showed up for both Lincoln and NEH 071, it was time for our veterinary team to comprehensively assess them for adoption. NEH 071 was regrettably put to sleep. His very unpredictable temperament and aggressive behaviours deemed him unsafe to be placed back into the community as a pet.

Ten-year-old Lincoln passed for adoption. Whilst the Home was always confident he would be rehomed, it was obvious he would require an experienced owner who could fulfill his needs. The Home often rescues and rehabilitates neglected dogs with special needs that require dedicated owners. Despite visible signs of neglect, Lincoln’s gentle nature and eagerness to please shone through. Vets described Lincoln as “very sweet, a little shy but over all a lovely, friendly dog. Considering his neglect and age he was in relatively good health”. Shelter staff reported Lincoln to be a friendly and happy dog that always came to the front of his pen to greet staff throughout his stay.

However, during his assessment, vets also discovered that his hearing seemed to be impaired which could be as a result of previously untreated ear infections. The veterinary team is hoping that he will regain more hearing once the current infection has cleared up. His teeth were not in the best condition either: his gums were infected, several teeth were worn away and some were so decayed they had to be removed. Extensive dental surgery was required to relieve him of dental disease and pain.

Before Lincoln received his dental surgery and ear treatment, vets conducted a pre-anaesthesia blood analysis to ensure he would cope well under anaesthesia. As an older dog, it was important to understand any pre-existing problems as well as ensure his operation would be safe.

Lincoln, renamed Billy, has been adopted by a couple who are experienced pet owners. They are well aware of the responsibilities associated with caring for long-haired dogs. Billy was sent home with medication for his ears and some diet advice for his teeth. Staff at the Home are overjoyed that Billy’s twilight years will be spent receiving the love and attention absent from his first home. An added bonus is that Billy will also have a new canine playmate in Ben, the couple's other dog also adopted from The Lost Dogs' Home.

Billy and his new owners have the opportunity to take up a complementary obedience lesson with Planet K9 Dog Training School, a service offered to all families who adopt from the Home.