BERTY (named for racing as Winners Take All)
Sex/colour: Male Black
D.O.B: 20.11.2013
Last recorded owner: Canidrome Greyhound track: Macau
Last recorded trainer: Not known
Races contended: Not known
Stadium: Canidrome Macau China
Last recorded race: Not known
Came to AfG: 16.02.2019
BERTY (named after Liberty) was one of over 500 Greyhounds saved from
the hell hole Canidrome Greyhound track in Macau
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/20/macau-authorities-to-care-for-600-greyhounds-after-notorious-track-closes
Berty was one of two, who came into the care of AfG (see also: FREEDA).
Dozens of Greyhounds saved,came to the UK, via air to Heathrow airport,
15 hounds at a time.
Many were in poor condition, most originated from the Australian
Greyhound racing industry, some faired better than others over their
time spent at the Canidrome.
We cannot imagine how they suffered there but were thankful that at
least the remaining 500+ Greyhounds saved were the lucky survivors.
AfG were able to take a male and female as we had a suitable foster home
waiting to care for them.
Neither were neutered.
Berty was in very poor condition, physically and mentally.
As depicted on his photos, his teeth were worn to the gums, he was
emaciated with a high percent of hair loss, muscle wastage, his tail had
an open infected wound, he was constantly looking for food.
A condition very worrying for such a young hound at age only 5 1/2 years.
Luckily they would be looked after by very experienced carers and
treated by our very Sighthound knowledgeable vet.
It was important to get them calmly settled in as they arrived to their
home late at night due to the drawn out arrival issues at Heathrow.
Soon after, a vet visit was arranged.
Our vet was very concerned for the condition of Berty, she took blood
samples and prescribed an antibiotic course and bandaged his infected
tail wound.
Berty was diagnosed with liver failure and was immediately prescribed a
new effective drug whereby he would be checked each month to see if the
blood results improved.
Over the following weeks, Bertys overall condition improved steadily and
after 1 month on the medication his bloods showed his liver function was
improving. Eventually recovered fully.
Sadly as the tail wound refused to heal ( mainly because he was now so
happy, he didn’t stop wagging his tail) so the bandages didn’t stay on
long and the tail tip would not heal.
So once Berty was healthy enough to be neutered, he also had 4″ of his
tail amputated, which later healed fully.
After careful socialising and general all round care, Berty improved
gradually but was very shy and relied on following the more confident
Freeda and always wanting cuddles and guidance from his carers.
He soon got used to the resident goats and chickens and enjoyed the
freedom of the large enclosed field where he could explore and run
freely at his leisure.
One of his carers accompanied AfG to Heathrow so was involved with the
rescue from the very start and it was soon decided, Berty (and Freeda)
would stay with them in their forever home.
