CHARLIE'S FUND

CHARLIE'S STORY

When Charlie first came to our attention he was living on the streets of Tongatapu, scavenging for food scraps, searching for water and being very wary of humans. His large and disfigured head made him simultaneously conspicuous and invisable. Nobody wanted to look at Big Head. Nobody wanted to see him.

But one day, Angela and James Glover saw him and they didn't turn away. They spent six weeks taking food to him on the street and trying to gain his trust. With no permanent veterinary services on the island, they contacted SPAW in New Zealand to seek advice on what could be wrong with him and how they might be able to help.

When SPAW visited Tonga in December 2017 Charlie was one of the first patients through the door. Angela and James had managed to befriend him and had picked him up off the street that morning.

When he arrived at the clinic Charlie was in a terrible state. His head was so swollen that he had trouble seeing. His skin was scabbed, his coast was dull, and he was riddled with fleas and intestinal worms. But even though he had endured such neglect, Charlie still had room in his heart for love and trust.

Charlie's life changed dramatically that day.

Not only did he feel better, he also found a new home with Angela and James. From that point, Charlie didn't have to live in fear on the streets. He no longer had to look for a safe bed or scavenge for a meal and most importantly, he was free from pain.

Between December 2017 and May 2018, SPAW vets provided care to Charlie three times, including complex surgery to release pressure around his eye and brain and to improve his beathing. Charlie was de-sexed to reduce social stress of being around other dogs and he was vaccinated against the deadly parvovirus. To his relief Charlie received his first flea and worm treatmet, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and painkillers, all this ensuring Charlies last months were comfortable. SPAW provided this service free of charge, thanks to individuals and businesses who support our efforts.

Angela and James cared for Charlie for six months providing him with the companionship and love he deserved. We new Charlie would not live long and sadly we lost our courageous friend in May 2018. In his last months, Charlie was pain-free and loved, for this we are grateful.

We ask you to please consider donating to Charlie's Fund and help SPAW ensure that animals like him can live a life without pain and suffering. Funds raised will go directly to improving the lives of pacific island animals by providing free veterinary services to island communities.

To read more about Charlie go to www.spaw.org.nz/charliesfund