Had check-up at vets4pets following spey.  Extremely pleased with progress and don't need to go back anymore hurrah

Christmas Day

Look what I got from Mr & Mrs D. Excellent!!! And a new lead though mam more impressed with that xxx

Not Another Operation!

Got taken into the vets to be speyed today. Wasn't happy at all especially when mam left me alone. Haven't been to this vets before so none of my usual friends to take care of me boo hoo.

Everything went well and have been sent home with yet another lampshade on. This one designer though. Can see through this one and has little paws all over it. Small consolation me thinks :(

Christmas

Now look what I've been dressed up as!

Am not amused but it's all in a good cause.

Dad dressed as Santa on his sleigh first goes to Little Treasures Nursery to hand out the prezzies for the little-uns then we go collecting for the PDSA. Quite fun really.

Yet another visit to the vet.  Another poorly upset tums, don't know where I get them from.  More antibiotics which did the trick thank goodness

Training

Second puppy class but have been upgraded to do a Bronze training course. Lots of training now. Mam is getting serious and wants to pass. She thinks it will be such a huge achievement after everything I've been through.

PDSA Top of the OPS

(taken from PDSA website featuring Darcy)

PDSA's 'Top of the Ops'Charity’s vets reflect on another amazing year of pet operations and dramatic cases

The puppy that fell off a cliff; the shot cat; the dog that ate Homer Simpson: it’s all in a day’s work for vets at pet charity, PDSA. Now they have rounded up some of the most amazing and eye-watering cases in an end-of-year ‘Top of the Ops’ compilation.

PDSA, the charity that cares for the pets of people in need, has broken its own record for pet operations this year, completing over 100,000*, a 5% increase on last year. Its varied surgical casebook includes emergency operations to remove clothes, balls and toys from pets’ stomachs, repairing broken limbs, together with neutering operations, tumour removal and skin grafts plus other procedures such as fitting full body casts to injured pets – to name but a few.

“We see all manner of pet patients every day,” says PDSA Senior Vet Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury. “It’s incredible how some pets survive the ordeals they have been through. It’s testament to their own fighting spirit and the great work of our vet teams.

“That’s why PDSA is so important to the millions of loving pet owners, who rely our charitable services.”

To celebrate the work of the charity’s highly skilled staff, PDSA is highlighting the ten most memorable cases from the last 12 months. Counting down from 10, here’s PDSA’s ‘Top of the Ops’ list:

1. In at number one is the dramatic story of Patterdale terrier puppy, Darcy, from Sunderland, who defied death after plunging 45ft off a cliff, leaving her with broken bones in three of her legs. PDSA staff spent hours operating on her broken bones to help the unlucky pooch walk again. She’s now back on all fours and living life to the full.

This Christmas PDSA has launched a £600,000 emergency appeal to help it provide vital care for the record-breaking numbers of poorly pets it is seeing. Annually, the delivery of PDSA services costs around £50 million. PDSA relies entirely on charitable donations and voluntary contributions, as it receives no Government or lottery funding for its PetAid services.

For further information about PDSA PetAid services or for details of how you can make a donation please call 0800 731 2502 0800 731 2502 or visit www.pdsa.org.uk/xmas.

Rainbow over Seaburn Beach

Beautiful sight after a good day out

Me and Mr D

Me and my Mr D. Not so little now am I? When I first met Mr D I could fit in his hand

Started my puppy improvers training today.

Creature Comforts

I like my comfort and a settee and cushion beats my bed anytime.

After being poorly for a couple of days with diarrhoea, I had to go and see the vet. Temperature was slightly up so the vet decided to treat as gastroenteritis and prescribed some antibiotics and kaogel to settle my tum. I felt so much better almost immediately and by the next day felt almost back to normal.

River Eden

Back to Appleby to see gran and grandad. Chip has gone back home to them. We loved having him but mam thought now that gran and grandad were ok they could take him back especially as I've had such a lot of care.

Was nice to be back in Appleby. I love going down the riverside and the leaves are such fun to play in.

Discharged from Vets

Vet check today. Discharged as fit and healthy and no need to go back. Very emotional time and hugs all round. Got taken through the back to say "bye" to everyone.

Still a telly addict and as you can see all four limbs are now fully operational.

On The Way to Recovery

Today Darcy got the rest of her pins removed from her back leg. Oh joy! The x-ray showed the break had healed well, in fact you could barely see where the break had been. After a couple of hours recovering at home Darcy perked up enough to try pottering about but obviously it felt strange not having the metal in her legs. Poor thing didn't seem to know what the problem was and kept checking her back leg as if to say "what's happened"?

Am recovering nicely. As you can see I've had the plaster cast removed and my back leg doesn't look so scary now that the swelling has gone down and the hair is growing back.

Check up with vet. More antibiotics

Back to PDSA again. This time general anaesthetic for x-rays. Had the top pin removed and antibiotics given for cover. Vet thinks I'm doing very well. Should have seen mam's face, she was over the moon to see me progressing so well.

Diarrhoea. Back to vets and given Meloxicam to settle down. Hope it works am not feeling very well!

Back home again. Had a good time. Only thing is the painkillers are irritating my stomach so had to go back to vet and get them changed to liquid form.

Travelled back to Sunderland for a check on the pins and plaster under sedation. Went back to Lincoln later same day. Given some medication to calm my stomach.

In the caravan recuperating after the long journey yesterday and after seeing the vet. Later went outside for a bit fresh air

Admitted under general anaesthetic to check pins. Adjusted and allowed home. Travelled back to Lincoln same day. Just slept the journey.

Lincoln

Went to Lincoln today . Stayed in the car while mam and dad visited the Bishop's Palace and Lincoln Cathedral.

Afterwards we went for a walk round Lincoln with me in the buggy of course. While we were walking around mam thought one of the pins had moved in my back leg. Found a veterinary hospital and made an appointment. The vet there wasn't happy to do anything with the pin but would have given antibiotics to cover for any infection. Mam wasn't too happy with that and rang the PDSA in Sunderland. They made an appointment for the next day. Travelled up later that night after meal out with the family.

PDSA Sponsored Walkies

It was the PDSA walkies today. We raised £250 not bad. On the way through the park the dressing came off my front left paw. Had it checked by the vet (Ian) who said it was ok to leave off. Didn't do any walkies myself of course. My chosen mode of transport was a decked out buggy with my name on no less.

Met Denise Robertson off the telly!

We then set off for a weeks holiday to Lincoln with the caravan. Not something I know much about yet but should be good. At least it will be a change of scenery.

Dressing changed again on right front paw. Think the swelling must be going down and the cast keeps slipping.

Dressing changed on right front paw

Dressing changed on right front paw

PDSA Walkies

Extract from Sunderland Echo

 

Darcy calls for all dogs to put best paw forward

Published on Wed Sep 09 14:48:53 BST 2009

DARCY the Wearside wonder-pup is urging her four-legged friends to take a walk in the park for animals in need this weekend.
The six-month-old Patterdale Terrier pup, who miraculously survived a 45-foot cliff fall last month, will be joining the PDSA Walkies in Roker Park to help raise cash for a new 1.6million animal hospital in Sunderland.
The PDSA has launched its appeal to raise cash for the new PetAid hospital and anyone is welcome to go along to the park to join in the first fund-raising event on Sunday.
PDSA veterinary staff will be taking part and there will be free dog training advice from Ruff Diamond Dog Training and free health checks for dogs aboard PDSA's PetCheck vehicle.
Supporting the event is Pauline Dodds, Darcy's owner, as a thank you for the way the PDSA staff nursed her puppy back to health.
The playful pup was with Pauline near Souter lighthouse, Whitburn, in August when she fell 45ft on to rocks below breaking her front paw and back leg.
Pauline, from Washington, said: "I'm urging all animal lovers to go along and take part in PDSA Walkies this Sunday. After Darcy's accident, the vets did an amazing job and I can't thank them enough.
"PDSA is a great charity and as they don't get Government or lottery funding, I'm happy to do my bit to raise vital funds."
The charity is being forced to build a new hospital because the old one in The King's Road is just not big enough to cope with the increasing number of pets in need of vet care.
Vets for the charity treated 46,598 pets in the Sunderland area in 2008, compared with 42,951 in 2007 and there are fears the recession could cause the rise in numbers to continue.
PDSA Walkies organiser Hilary Nelson said: "This will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy exercising with your dog while supporting PDSA.
"We don't receive any Government or Lottery funding, so rely entirely on the generosity of the public, and Walkies is an easy and fun way to get involved."
PDSA has provided free veterinary care in Sunderland since 1952, when the charity opened a dispensary in Chester Road, and the hospital in The King's Road, Southwick, was built in 1989.
Walkies In Roker Park takes place on Sunday with a rolling start from 11am through to 2.30pm.
The walk will take about 45 minutes and costs 5 to enter. To register visit www.pdsa.org.uk/walkies or people can just go along on the day.

General anaesthetic. Had x-rays and one pin was replaced. More painkillers and antibiotics prescribed

Plaster cast slipped. Another trip to the PDSA

Today I was sedated so the plaster cast could be changed. Had another course of painkillers prescribed. PDSA doing a wonderful job.

Another appointment with the PDSA to get the plaster cast checked. It is important that it doesn't slip as it could cause problems with circulation.

My Really Poorly Leg

Had plaster cast checked and the big bandage has been removed from back leg with just the pins dressed because they are quite sharp.

Youv'e got to feel sorry for me looking like this

Appointment at the Vets. General Anaesthetic for x-rays and plaster casts

What a carry on just to go to the toilet. Can't get the dressings wet you see, but can't really stand up either. I think the expression says it all....

Had operation on back leg. It is all screwed and plated together and vet is hoping its done the trick. Front paw is in bandage still and I have to go back on Thursday to get a plaster cast on and check back leg is still ok.

Have also found fame. Am in the Sunderland and Shields papers and on Tyne Tees news. Didn't realise I'd fallen so far down (45ft). Been really lucky I suppose.


Only trouble with fame is everyone wants to stop and talk to me now so it takes ages to get anywhere. Get the VIP treatment at the PDSA though!

Puppy survives 45ft fall over cliff edge

A PLAYFUL pup has escaped death after plunging from cliff tops.

Five-month-old Darcy, pictured moments before the accident, was out with owner Pauline Dodds near Souter lighthouse, in Whitburn, when she fell 45ft on to rocks below, at about 10.15am, on Sunday.

The Patterdale Terrier broke her front paw and back leg. She was taken to the vets and may need her back leg amputated.

Darcy had been playing with Mrs Dodd's grandchildren and their friends, who had been throwing stones, when it is thought she chased a stone, which had gone over the cliff edge.

Mrs Dodds, from The Drive in Washington, said: "We were just coming away and I had knelt down to pick up my youngest grandson, when one of the children said the dog's disappeared. When I asked where, he just pointed over to the cliffs."

In shock and fearing the worst the 48-year-old ran towards the spot where her dog was last seen.

But unable to see where the rocks ended because of long grass she took to her knees and felt her way to the cliff edge.

She peered over the edge and saw the puppy lying helpless on the rocks below. Calling for help, her son Michael, 29, made his way down to the dog while Mrs Dodds dialled 999.

Police arrived, followed by the Coastguard who retrieved Darcy.

"I just rang 999 as I didn't know who to call," said Mrs Dodds. "The police turned up and they phoned the coastguard – they were marvellous.

"The RSPCA also came out to check her and took her to the vets. The height she fell from I can't believe she survived it."

Coastguard Rescue Officer Neil Mearns said: "We received a report a dog had fallen from cliffs. Because it was low water Sunderland coastguard was able to gain access through the beach.

"The dog was calm when we got there but obviously distressed. Dog walkers need to ensure they keep their dogs on a lead at all times no matter how well trained they are."

The Day After

This is me the day after my operation and my first day home. Tyne Tees TV came to do an interview because I am a happy ending story.

Spent the night at the vets all on my own, no mam to cuddle up to. Really missing her :(. Had to have a drip put in one paw and my other paw is broken. My back leg is really badly damaged as well.

Mam came and collected me with Michael to go to PDSA Sunderland for my operation. Although mam did her best, the roads were very bumpy and I couldn't help but whimper. Once there I had to have an operation on my back leg. Mam was crying again but what could I do? When I get better and get back home will give lots of cuddles xxx

Today we went for a walk with the kiddie winkles along the coast path to Souter Lighthouse at Whitburn, Sunderland. More kiddies the better as far as I'm concerned because plenty of stones to chase. Quite getting to like the sea now though wasn't too sure at first with all that moving water. Tastes a bit funny too!!!

Had a bit explore in the caves, chased some stones, did a bit running in and out of the sea, chased some stones, ran round with the kiddies, chased some stones. Get the picture? Fun for me anyway.

Unfortunately what happened next wasn't so much fun ..........

Chasing stones and all of a sudden the ground disappeared from underneath me and next thing I know I'm flying! What a landing. Saw mum looking over the top down at me but couldn't move. Could only shout up and let her know I was okish.

First to get to me was my pal Rocky's dad, Michael and a mate of his. The Coastguard rescued me and took me back to the top and the RSPCA took me to the vet's. Mum was crying and I did my best to reassure her but I know she won't be ok until I'm ok.

Will let you how I get on when I get back from the vets .....

Appleby River Eden

My kiddles. It's so much fun when they come with us.

Daniel is trying to lead Chip but Chip isn't too sure he wants to go!

Roker Beach With Kiddles

Curtain Twitcher Moi?

Someone's got to keep an eye on the neighbourhood and it might as well be me.....

Wearside Ramblers

Went for an eight mile ramble from Seaburn through Whitburn, over Cleadon Hills and back round again.

Graduation Day

Graduation from Puppy Foundation course

Now Where Did I Put It?

I'm sure it was in here somewhere. Mmmm perhaps not.....

Peek A boo

Can you see where I am?

Mum and I at Herrington Park

Exercise for two

Roker Beach

Share and Share Alike

This Is The Life

Sun and sleep and my pal Rocky to look after me xxx

Room For A Little-un?

My Rocky

I love my Rocky Boos

Joe's Pond

Can you see me?


Fab place full of wildlife. Pleny of places to walk and explore for dogs and children alike.

I earned my nickname of "Duck Poo Darcy" here and had my first swimming lesson (to wash the duckpoo off) in the lake!

Herrington Park

Me and my pal Rocky with Michael at Herrington Park

Then time for a rest