Helping Esme heal in an experienced foster home

When a tiny puppy was found abandoned at Woodgreen, she was in a terrible condition. She was freezing cold, sick, and painfully underweight. We brought her inside and helped warm her up in a bed made for guinea pigs.

That’s when we noticed that there was something wrong with one of her front legs. After a check with our vet team, we diagnosed her with carpal laxity syndrome – a condition that could prevent her from learning to walk normally.

She was found just in time to get the care and attention she needed, to have a chance at walking, running and playing like a normal puppy.

We estimated that Esme was around eight-weeks-old, so it was essential that she started to be gently introduced to the world. Amber carried Esme outside in a puppy sling and exposed her to everyday sights and sounds.

“We also tried to get her used to different sensations and scenarios, which is key when they’re so young. Things like checking her teeth, paws, ears, and tail,” Amber remembers.

Gentle exposure and socialisation is essential for young puppies, to encourage their confidence and curiosity. And it certainly worked well for Esme, who Amber described as “a tiny tornado”.