Aika

Is it a big hairy 3D rug or a Newfoundland dog?

This amazing and unexpected dog (for the Canary islands) arrived at our sanctuary incredibly overweight and very unhealthy. She was bought as a puppy from mainland Spain for an extreme amount of money to the island. Sadly the well meaning family had not done their research on a breed like this and far too commonly misjudged the care they need. Especially on a hot island.

She then spent the majority of her life living on a roof, we assume so that her non-stop dribble and hair loss did not make too much of a mess in the apartment. When she arrived with us she was already 8 years old which is not young for a dog of this breed. But the worst was her weight and stamina. Over the time with us she has lost nearly 20 kilos and can now run.  She has fallen madly in love with Edo, he is the only one who can make her move and play. But it is truly beautiful to see, as if she has grown younger and is finally able to enjoy her life. As long as we keep up with brushing her, her rehab and soaks in the horse baths, she is thriving.

Although dogs like this are beautiful and interesting, people need to do their research to see that they are complicated and require lots of special care. They do not fit in the normal life style. Fortunately for Aika her owners realised they were not giving her what they needed and contacted us to help give her a better life. So her future is happy, it is just a shame they did not realise earlier. Whether it was pride or what they thought was love, it was not putting the dogs needs first and that should always be the way when you get a pet!