Monty finally free of pain in his final chapter
When our inspectors first saw Monty, he could barely move without pain. He was standing quietly in his yard, a small, elderly dog trapped beneath a coat so heavily matted it pulled at his skin with every step. Each breath came with a wheeze. His ears were infected. His mouth ached from untreated dental disease. Fleas crawled through his fur, and the smell of urine and faeces clung to him. Not because Monty had given up on himself, but because the person responsible for his care had severely let him down.
At 12 years old, Monty had endured far too much suffering for a dog who should have been spending his golden years curled up somewhere warm and safe. Suffering that could have been avoided with ongoing grooming and regular parasite treatments.
Monty was rescued by an RSPCA WA Inspector and taken straight to veterinary care.
But what came next was heartbreaking.
Once the painful matting was carefully removed, it became clear just how much Monty had been carrying – physically and emotionally. His skin was sore and inflamed. His ears were raw with infection. His teeth caused constant pain. And yet, through it all, Monty remained gentle. He still wagged his tail.
Monty was in our care for a long period of time. He required months of expert veterinary treatment, medication, and patience. He received the quiet kindness of foster care volunteers, who welcomed Monty into their family home and made sure he felt safe, perhaps for the first time in a very long time.
Slowly, his breathing eased. His infections were treated. New fur began to grow. He learned what it meant to rest without pain. Monty was made available for adoption.
But sadly, Monty’s health took a turn. Despite every effort, every treatment option explored, and every ounce of care given, Monty’s body could not recover from the years of neglect he had endured. Monty had pancreatitis and Cushing’s disease. He had started to experience haematuria (blood in urine) and his heart was failing.
After careful veterinary assessment, the decision was made to let Monty go peacefully, free from further pain. This was a difficult decision, one made with diligence, professionalism, and heart – the same values that guided his care from the moment he was rescued.
Monty was not alone at the end. He was warm. He was gentle. He was loved. And he was finally pain-free.
Stories like Monty’s are devastating for our supporters, staff and volunteers who give everything they have to help animals heal. When an animal does not make it, the impact is profound. And yet, we keep going. Because for every Monty, there are so many more animals who do recover, who do go on to loving homes, and whose lives are transformed because of the generous support of people like you.
We like to think Monty knew he was loved and cared for at the end. With the help of our generous donors, we were able to make Monty’s final months comfortable and happy – possibly for the first time in his life.
You can help ensure that every animal who comes through our doors is met with love, compassion and support right to the very end, just like Monty was, by making a one-off or regular donation. Every bit helps animals get the care they so desperately need to live out the rest of their days pain-free.
Donate to help animals like Monty
Thank you, on behalf of the many animals whose stories are still being written. Because of your compassion, they have hope.
Posted on in Animal stories