S'pore stray dog looking for forever home after injuries from 'past accident' forces it to sit to eat

A stray dog feeder was conducting her usual rounds in Pioneer in October when she noticed Starfish — one of her usual recipients — enjoying his food seated on his behind.

"He scuttles away and quickly sits down again, as if in pain, and begins to lick his legs," shared dog welfare group Chained Dog Awareness in Singapore (CDAS) in a Facebook post on Nov. 25.

Multiple injuries

Feeders managed to trap Starfish on Nov. 21, and brought him to a veterinarian clinic for checks.

Speaking to Mothership, CDAS shared that veterinarians confirmed that he was injured with a fractured hind leg, which is consistent with "trauma caused by a past accident."

It is unknown exactly when the accident occurred.

In addition to the fracture, Starfish's vertebrae and pelvic bone were injured as well.

Although he can still walk, it seems Starfish finds it more comfortable to sit while eating as opposed to standing.

To make matters worse, veterinarians found Starfish to be positive for heartworm, a stage two heart murmur and a urinary tract infection.

Nonetheless, Starfish is recovering, and CDAS is looking for a permanent home for the good boy.

Priority is to "secure a home" for him

CDAS is also feeling the urgency of the search, as clinic bills are racking up with each passing day, and the feeders "unfortunately do not have the financial means" to shoulder the cost.

CDAS thus shared that they will be funding his fees and the priority was to "secure a home" for him upon discharge. However, the fees have racked up immensely.

"Our priority was to secure a home for him, which is why we didn’t initially mention the need for financial support, but we do need help. He has been at the clinic for the last five days, so the bill is likely to exceed a thousand dollars," shared CDAS. 

A permanent home is the ideal for Starfish after his discharge, though current plans include sending him to a local shelter.

Commercial boarding facilities would be a "significant financial burden" and shelter boarding fees would cost "a fraction" of commercial ones, explained CDAS.

However, his "quality of life would be compromised," added CDAS.

Has an "affectionate" personality

Named fondly by the feeders at the factory, Starfish is "quite trusting and affectionate," said CDAS.

However, it is also worth noting for potential owners to "take it slow" with him in order for him to get accustomed to his new life. 

"Caring for him is not difficult — he simply needs a safe and loving space where he can decompress and feel secure."

While CDAS is currently not looking for donations, those interested in adopting Starfish can contact them via their Facebook page.

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Top image from CDAS