The internet’s heart was shattered when they heard a 16-year-old dog awaits a new home after he landed himself in the shelter “with a mouth full of rotten teeth” and a microchip contact that has been left unanswered.
Dachshund Rescue South Florida, a foster-based rescue and not-for-profit organization helping doxies, first shared the heartbreaking story about Wonka in a November 12 Facebook post, hopeful the community could support this senior dog’s dental surgery. Wonka was first brought to an animal shelter in Miami as a stray, a representative from the rescue told Newsweek via Facebook Messenger.
The rescue stepped up, wanting to help the stray dachshund. The Facebook post mentioned that seeing any stray dog rips your heart out, but it especially happened when the team discovered this “sweet, chocolate little” doxie’s age. At 16, Wonka needs to start over.
To sprinkle salt on the rescue’s open wound, his microchip had been registered, but the representative said that after many attempts to contact the person listed, it became clear they were not interested in having Wonka.
Taking him under their wing, Dachshund Rescue South Florida raised enough money to get him the dental surgery he needed. He had 10 teeth missing. Six were considered “mobile” and another six had been extracted.
“He had to have so many teeth removed,” the representative said. “The vet said it was the worst mouth she had ever seen.”
Dental health for dogs might be an afterthought for owners, but it is just as important as proper nutrition and exercise, and slacking on their oral hygiene can lead to pain, tooth loss or even systemic health issues, such as heart, liver and kidney disease. An article from CityVet stated that by age three, 80 percent of canines show signs of periodontal disease. While age plays a factor, smaller dog breeds like Chihuahuas and dachshunds are more susceptible because of genetics.
Wonka stayed at a 24-hour clinic following the surgery to be monitored. The representative said the team was concerned about him after an “extensive dental” and his age, but thankfully, Wonka is on the mend. He has since settled into his foster home, where he’ll be staying for the time being.
“We haven’t offered him for adoption yet, but will be soon,” the representative said. “We hope there is someone out there who wants to spoil him for the remainder of his life.”
Viewer Reactions
As of Wednesday, the Facebook post reached over 6,400 likes, 618 comments and 477 shares, with people saddened by Wonka going through this uncertainty and dental surgery during his golden years.
“Wonka honey, I’m so sorry baby. You didn’t deserve this, sweetheart,” commented one user.
Another added: “That’s just cruel. I can’t understand this. I take them. Not give them away.”
Someone else chimed in: “Best wishes for good health in your golden years, Wonka.”
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