Cassidy Update

An Ideal Patient

We’re just about to head up the mountain to put up cameras to catch a poacher but thought we’d give a quick update on Cassidy, the dog rescued a few weeks ago after being spotted hobbling around on very painful, badly broken leg. The first thing we have to say is that, compared to so many other dogs who we rescue, Cassidy has been the ideal patient. Most of our rescues are semi-feral or at the very least fearful or nervous about being handled, but Cassidy is a big ball of love around people. He’s just lovely.

In the Very Best of Hands

ACT is very lucky to have the support of Dr. Jason Yeh, Taiwan’s leading veterinary surgeon and greatly respected amongst the veterinary community here. Although Cassidy was being seen by another very good vet, we reached out to Dr. Yeh for a second opinion about surgical options for sweet old Cassidy. He kindly offered to accept Cassidy at the National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, where Dr. Yeh himself could oversee the lucky stray’s treatment and, when ready, the operation on his leg.

Dr. Yeh has performed some incredible surgeries for us over the years, including performing ground-breaking surgery on some of our most challenging cases. These included rebuilding a dog’s nose after it was sliced almost completely off by a machete, repairing the windpipe of a dog whose neck was deeply cut by a rubber band that sliced his trachea in two, and a complicated skin graft for a dog whose face was devoid of tissue after a dangerous infection went left untreated. To us, Dr. Yeh performs miracles, and all while teaching and inspiring Taiwan’s next generation of vets.

Cassidy really couldn’t wish for a better surgeon overseeing his case.

Enjoying Bed Rest

Cassidy went to see Dr. Yeh’s team again last Friday, to find out if he can now undergo surgery to repair his badly broken leg (see top photo). Unfortunately, while Cassidy’s general condition has improved, the meds he has been taking have caused his liver numbers to be too elevated. Dr. Yeh has adjusted his prescription and will re-examine the easygoing dog in a week or so. Fingers crossed, the new meds will mean Cassidy’s liver count will soon return to normal so he can finally undergo the operation that we all wish for him.

In the meantime, Cassidy seems to be enjoying his forced bed rest. The old boy takes his meds without protest, loves his healthy raw diet, and is very much a joy to care for. Painkillers mean he’s not suffering while awaiting surgery, thankfully, and he no longer has to struggle to find food on that fast and dangerous mountain road.

Become an ACT donor today and transform the life of a suffering Taiwan stray like Cassidy

Please, please, please—this is our busiest time of year for rescues, and our team are out at all hours of night and day, seven days a week, doing what they can to save lives; if you’re thinking of donating to an animal charity any time soon, please consider ACT. We have no large salaries and our admin costs are at the low end of the perfect range for animal charities.

Donating is quick, easy, and secure. Our donation form below accepts debit card, credit card, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay or Apple Pay. Please consider becoming a monthly donor—not only does it help ensure these lifesaving 24-hour animal rescues can continue, it helps us plan better and spend less time fundraising and more time saving lives. Many of our donors decide to reduce their intended single donation and turn it into many smaller ones instead; for example, instead of donating £30 today, they sign up to give £10 per month.

Your kind donation—whether it’s big or small, one-time or monthly—truly makes a difference. Please join us in transforming the lives of Taiwan’s suffering strays—and giving dogs like this old boy the best chance possible of a brighter, happier future.

Whatever and however you give, please know that we, Cassidy, and the suffering strays of Taiwan are very grateful for your kindness. Thank you.

More updates about lovely old Cassidy soon!