Noahs Arc Animal Rescue Centre
Registered Charity No.: 7.971/1 C.I.F. No.: G73380677
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Noahs Arc is a registered animal rescue charity in the Murcia region of Spain created to rescue sick, injured and badly treated animals. We are only a small concern but usually have a wide range of dogs available, some in foster homes and the rest in kennels. We are always in need of fosterers, as those who kindly volunteer to do this task very often become too attached to the dogs and adopt them and then no longer have room to foster. We are eternally grateful to these kind people but we are desperate for more of you. Could you be that special person who would look after a dog for a while? This would mean we could look after more unfortunate dogs who are desperately in need of some tender loving care. If you are interested please e-mail me at admin@noahsarcmurcia.com. Maybe you are looking for a special dog now you have moved over here for good. We have some lovely dogs in our care looking to be given some special attention. Please look at our website www.noahsarcmurcia.com and you just may find the companion you are looking for. E-mail us or call Andrew on 699 352 818. August was extremely traumatic and heart-wrenching with the rescue of Gisela. A beautiful galga who was taken in by Andrew, our rescue officer and Gail, his partner, on 13th August. This girl was easily the most extraordinary example of a dog that had a will to survive keeping her going. The vet confirmed that, in all her years of seeing animals, no dog had ever been still alive in this condition! She was so thin that Andrew could put one hand around her bony waist. We had to treat her for severe malnutrition and de-hydration and she was on a drip for several hours. How anyone could own a dog (she was micro-chipped) and to keep her in this condition is beyond comprehension. Andrew and Gail took Gisela back to their home, with lots of special food and medications which filled half of the kitchen work surface. Despite every love and attention, Gisela went downhill as she had caught kennel cough which clearly added complications so she went to the vets for a drip, more antibiotics and to be fed by a syringe. The blood tests showed damage to her liver and pancreas so she was taken to a veterinary hospital where she was in intensive care. The hospital did another test for Leishmania which was positive. She was very subdued at the hospital but became more animated when Gail took in some freshly cooked chicken and pasta cooked in the chicken juices. After four days in the hospital, Andrew and Gail were allowed to bring Gisela home, with a large carrier bag of medication and in the hope that familiar surroundings, love and even some sunshine could get her to fight all over again and make a little progress. Their overwhelming concern was that they must not allow Gisela to suffer needlessly any longer than was appropriate, given her condition and chances of recovery. They spoke at length to our vet and other members of our charity in order that we did what was best for Gisela.
Gisela also perked up after her Rieki sessions. Grateful thanks to Rieki master Sue Browne for all of her help. Sadly, Gisela did not respond to the antibiotics for the kennel cough quickly enough and this made her even weaker. She was still unable to eat voluntarily and had to be encouraged to eat by syringe straight into her mouth. The Leishmania medication, which kills the parasites, had to be stopped as she was still too weak for additional non urgent medication. The prognosis was less favourable than it had been a few days previously. It was a very hard time, with Gail trying to cook tempting goodies that Gisela just might fancy eating and listening to her every laboured breath. The last few days she was too weak to get down the steps to the garden and Gail had to carry her. Gail herself stopped eating as she struggled in sympathy with Gisela and had little sleep, constantly checking on Gisela’s health.
After a 19 day battle and, despite her making every effort to fight for her own life, her pancreas - after initially appearing to make a small recovery - once again deteriorated to a point where Gisela was no more retaining any nutrients. It was with much regret and tremendous sadness that at 10.19am on 1st of September 2009 Gisela finally passed over the bridge. The decision to let her rest was made easier by Maria, our vet, confirming that although we could continue to fight with her, Gisela had no more strength left. We agreed that it was best for her, to allow her to go quietly with the arms of those who cared so much for her gently around her. We have been deeply grateful by the worldwide response generated by Gisela’s plight. So many people were touched by Gisela's short life with us and their warmth and sorrow have been overwhelming. She will live in so many peoples hearts all around the world and, hopefully, the plight of the galgo and the courage and trust they show to everyone has been demonstrated in her story and our videos. Gail and Andrew found comfort from all the messages of hope and goodwill and are more determined than ever that Gisela's fight will not be in vain. We will continue our work with Noah’s ARC and, when another Gisela arrives tomorrow, we will carry on fighting for that dog also.
We would like to give our heart-felt thanks to all of those people who donated to Gisela’s cause. The treatment and medications were expensive and donations flooded in from around the world.
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