Arrow's Story (Kamet Aro)

I knew Sara's days were numbered and was then in the trap of not wanting to leave Effie on her own. Back to the BCDH website and I saw that Arrow and Topsy were still there.  I phoned up and the lady said they had no reserve but Arrow had a few skin problems.

The next day my mum and I went to see them. Topsy was in the enclosure with one of the other Sloughis.  We said our hellos and then I went to see Arrow who had been put into isolation.  The manager went and brought Arrow out of this brick building which was deafening because all of the other dogs went beserk when she went in.





She brought Arrow out and I couldnt believe what I saw.  I can't exaggerate how awful he looked.  He only had fur on his back.  The rest of him was deep red in colour.  His feet were bleeding where his skin was so sore.  His eyes had been bleeding around his eye lids and his face was bloated.  He stank to high heaven and looked so depressed and just so unbelievably pitiful.  I had this feeling of shock and 'oh my god' when I saw him.  I was really worried about the commitment of taking on 3 dogs and wondered how I'd cope. I was still really worried about Sara and filled with dread at the thought of losing her too.  But my heart ruled my head and it was as if I had to do it as these dogs were so desperate. I looked at Arrow and thought that if I didnt have him, no-one else would want him.  He looked so awful that I felt I was his only chance, that's what I told myself anyway.

Arrow had to stay in the dogs home for another week as they didnt know whether his skin problem was contagious, it gave me time to have a proper think about taking on three extra dogs and whether I could cope.  Whilst I had so much contact with the dog's home I learned more about these poor Sloughis and what lives they had led.... and so their fate was sealed, they were definately coming home with us.




I saw the specialist vet who was looking after Arrow and it wasnt good news.  He thought he may have Cushings Disease. I had to bath him in this really nasty stuff that smelt like paint thinners.  It is extremely harmful to use, inhale and splash on your skin.  I had a massive hang up about using it on this poor dog, especially as his skin was bleeding and he was covered in boils.  There was no other solution so it had to be done.

I took Effie to the home to collect Arrow and Topsy.  I was secretly worried how Jason would react to Arrow, as his skin problem was really bad at this point and poor Arrow not only looked dreadful but smelt very bad too.  I neednt have worried, Jason fell in love with him immediately and he was from then onwards a 'Daddy's boy'!

Poor Arrow was a very poorly boy though when he first came home.  We all sat in the garden to begin with when I realised he was missing.  I couldnt understand where he had gone but then found him curled up in a tight ball in a cubbyhole by the rabbit run.  He looked so pitiful.  His skin was red raw, sore and bleeding, his eyes were all puffy and his face was really bloated.  He was in a very sorry state and after the vet telling me he suspected he had Cushings Disease I didnt think we'd have him very long, not only did he look ill you could tell he was feeling as rough as old boots too.

Despite his illness he was the most confident of all 4 Sloughis I had.  It only took him 2 days to muster the courage to get off the sofa to go and explore the house and Topsy wasnt far behind him.  I could tell they shared a special bond.

Amazingly, a couple of months later with lots of love, care and nutritious food Arrow made a remarkable recovery.  His coat grew back, so shiny and glossy and he was looking a real handsome boy again.  He was a real handful at first, very dominant and always pushing his luck with me.  He didnt listen to anything I told him and just ignored me if I told him off.

By chance I got talking to a man who was experienced in dog behaviour.  He asked me how I dealt with Arrow when he was naughty and when I said I shouted he told me to calm down and stop shouting.  I followed his advice and immediately Arrow calmed down and started listening to me.  He has been a smashing boy since and has the biggest personality out of the 4 dogs.  He really comes to life at night because he follows us round the house wagging his tail, looking at us with his bright beady eyes and asking for food when he can!  The thing that is most striking about Arrow is how happy he now is.  Despite his bad health and despite the hell he came from he now just oozes happiness.

His skin still has the odd flare up but I bath him when necessary to keep the problem at bay.  I am convinced that a happy, stress free life is what keeps him a happy and healthy boy.   At the moment we dont have a definate diagnosis of Cushings Disease but while he appears happy and healthy this is all that matters. Despite my initial reservations about taking home 3 large dogs, and subsequent times when it all seemed to much I wouldnt have changed these dogs and my experience with them for the world.  Now we are all in our routine together we get along just fine and I would recommend a rescue Sloughi to anyone!

Written by Rachel Jones

Arrow is Sara's son and half brother to Topsy.

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