A YOUNG dog whose plight highlights the scourge of puppy farms is being looked after by a local charity.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home took Wanda in when she was heavily pregnant.

Although only 3-4 years old, Wanda is suffering from hip dysplasia in both her hips and a knee joint that pops out regularly, causing her pain. She’s unsteady on her paws and her legs often collapse when she goes for a walk.

Her medical problems have been caused by her being used solely for breeding and subjected to an intensive cycle of pregnancies, putting enormous strain on her body.

As well as this Wanda had been living in a totally unsuitable environment, said volunteers at the charity: exposed to the elements, knee-deep in mud and freezing cold during the winter.

When she arrived at Gables, Wanda was taken straight to deputy manager Ruth Rickard’s home, where she could relax and begin bonding with Ruth in preparation for her imminent labour. She was given a large, comfortable whelping box and the best nutrition to help her and her puppies.

“Wanda gave birth to five healthy puppies, who chose a very special day to arrive - Valentine’s Day! She proved to be a very good mother and helped her puppies to grow big and strong,” said Ruth.

“Now that her endless cycle of pregnancies is over, it is time to focus on her.”

Wanda is now facing several surgeries to enable her to go on and live as close to a pain free life as possible. As well as the operations on her joints, Wanda will need to be spayed to ensure she never has to endure another pregnancy. Gables will provide Wanda with the very best after care, along with vaccinations and regular flea and worm treatment.

Ruth Rickard said: “Wanda is a very sweet, clever girl who has a cheeky side which never fails to make us all smile. I have loved having her in my home and I know that everyone loves puppies, but I have to admit that it’s the poor mums and the older animals that I have a soft spot for.

“As Wanda’s puppies have now all found their forever homes, it is time for her to get the treatment she requires so she is fit and well enough to find the loving home that she deserves. We are confident that this treatment will greatly improve her quality of life so she can go on to have a happy and healthy future with her forever family.”

It is estimated it will cost Gables at least £2,000 for the surgeries that Wanda will need. If Gables is lucky enough to raise more money than is needed it will go towards helping the other animals in their care.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the Coronavirus pandemic, but they are determined to help Wanda. If you can help to ease Gables financial burden by making a contribution to ‘Wanda’s Wish Vet Appeal’, please call 01752 331602 or visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/wandaswish to donate online.

You can also donate via text:

• To donate £1, text GABLESWW to 70201

• To donate £3, text GABLESWW to 70331

• To donate £5, text GABLESWW to 70970

• To donate £10, text GABLESWW to 70191

* Fundraising, payments and donations will be processed and administered by the National Funding Scheme (Charity No: 1149800), operating as DONATE. Texts will be charged at your standard network rate. For Terms & Conditions, see www.easydonate.org