SPARKY BIO

Briefly...

Born January 25th 2018 and covered in bright green mucus Sparky was abandoned by his mother on day 4 of his life and hand reared by myself, his breeder. He was frozen stiff when I found him in his box, pushed away from his siblings, and I thought he was dead, thus picking up his body I was shocked when suddenly he took a tiny jagged breath. Quickly I took his lifeless body in one hand and cupping my other hand over his open mouth I blew breaths into it, while massaging his heart, and when I saw him take a a deeper breath I hurried into the house and found him a cardboard box, put him on a fleece with microwave hottie beneath him, blankets on top and placed him next to the wood stove while I prayed for his survival. It took 4 hours for him to thaw out and start to whimper for food.

In the beginning an unidentified throat problem caused him to splutter and cough after drinking his milk from a baby's bottle. Weaning was a problem and he could only swallow if Royal Canin mousse was pressed to the roof of his mouth.

At 13 weeks, and weighing just under 2 kilos and small enough to fit into a handbag, a sudden refusal to drink water all day had me rush him to the vet. Severe pancreatitis was diagnosed but even after treatment vets felt he needed specialised care and they referred him to the Animal Health Trust (AHT) at Newmarket where it was discovered that Sparky had been born with Type 1 Diabetes and he would need insulin twice a day for the rest of his life. With the introduction of Caninsulin, Sparky started to grow until now - September 13th 2018 - he weighs 6 kilos and stands 13 inches high.

The Animal Health Trust have added Sparky's case to the Veterinary Medical Journal to aid vets everywhere help other puppies born with Type 1 Diabetes as a puppy born with type 1 diabetes is so rare. Some of the vets treating Sparky have remarked that in 25 years they have never encountered a puppy born with Type 1 Diabetes.

Sparky is a super intelligent, loving, sweet and comical teeny weeny Border Collie, and after months of handling, he is the most laid back, well behaved and much loved puppy. He melts the hearts of all that meet him. People stop in the street to pat him, some cross the road just to stroke him, at pubs and dog friendly places he is passed from person to person wanting to cuddle him. He is loved by everyone that meets him.

For Sparky's full life story from birth till now please read:

Sparky's Story

SPARKY'S HEALTH & FUNDRAISER UPDATES

September 13th 2018

Sparky has the most gorgeous bright sparkling eyes that ooze friendliness and joy and a love for life but due to the diabetes Sparky is losing his sight. A visit to the eye specialist at the AHT on Monday September 10th revealed that he has developing cataracts that cause him to bump into things at dusk or in low light. Thus while his eyes are still healthy, Sparky requires surgery to remove the cataracts to save his eyesight. If the surgery is delayed Sparky will get glaucoma and this could lead to an eye disease that will result in the removal of his eyes and the sockets sewn up.

Sparky is so beautiful, such a darling and he has already fought against so many odds, that losing his eyes would be the most dreadful injustice.

The surgery will cost £5000 + VAT and I will save for it as best I can however I am appealing to the generosity of the public to help me raise the necessary funds as soon as possible to help save Sparky's eyesight. Please give whatever you can for Sparky's sake by donating from the homepage. Thank you, Sincerely, Sparky & Wendy.

Sparky fondly remembers his great grandpa,Timba.