You must all remember Tino’s story, the Galgo who arrived at Scooby with an exposed fracture in one leg where we could see that it was necrotic. The Mediterraneo Clinic in Madrid operated on him and took care of him for a month.

Everything went well. Tino kept on doing his old tricks in the shelter by showing that he is the boss at the entrance to the patio, marking his territory (that is to say he pees) on every object or person who will stay still, barking at every dog who passes by for the first time and turning the garbage upside down.

Since last week we noticed him being apathetic.  We took his temperature and he had fever. Plus, his wound was oozing. We all got a bit scared. Fermín called Dr. Ruano immediately.  Dr. Ruano gave him an appointment for the end of the week and told him to give Tino some antibiotics. Friday afternoon we took Tino to Madrid, we were a bit concerned thinking that there was a possibility we would have to amputate his leg.

Dr. Ruano was waiting for us, and was as usual very kind and fast. He took an X-ray and saw that it was only an infection that could be healed with antibiotics. We all breathed a sigh of relief!

What surprised us most was Tino’s attitude. As soon as we got into the clinic, Tino changed.  He went from being the mischievous Galgo to a very scared one.  He was breathing heavily as he leaned against me asking for loving hugs.  

When we came out of the clinic, he kept looking out of the corner of his eye at the clinic, and standing on his four legs (something he hadn’t done for some months now) he would pulled me with all his strength. He was taking me for a walk instead of me taking him for a walk.  Tino didn’t become his relaxed self until we went through Scooby’s door.

How can there still be people who say that dogs don’t feel? That dogs don’t think? Did these people take their time at least once to observe them?

Finally, I want to say thank you again to the Clinica Mediterraneo and Dr. Ruano for helping us every time we need them.

Regards,