A HAPPY THREAD - NO DOOM, GLOOM OR CREDIT CRUNCH MENTIONED!

Risto after he was found

This is the quite extraordinary story of ‘Risto’, an unwanted little dog who was literally rescued from certain death by an Angel. It is a story almost taken directly from the Holy Bible in that it involves human sin of almost unimaginable proportions, a rescue, a journey and a safe homecoming. It also highlights clearly the horrors of animal cruelty which occur not only in this part of Spain, but without any doubt at all, in every part of the world and which is a sad reflection on humankind in general.  

Risto is a small and delightful Fox Terrier dog and has been aged at around 8 years. In mid May, the usual late evening refuse collections were taking place throughout the area and on this occasion in Canada de Praes which lies between Pilar de la Horadada and Pinar de Campoverde. As is usually the case, the green skips were filled to overflowing and plastic bags lay piled against the sides of them. One of the refuse workers, quite coincidentally named Angel, hoisted up one of the bags ready to throw it into the shredding mechanism in the back of the refuse truck when he felt a movement inside. Ripping open the tightly sealed bag, he found little Risto inside, struggling for air and in a very poor state indeed. Seconds from certain death, the dog had been rescued and given a chance of life once more.

Unfortunately, it is against regulations for dogs to be carried in municipal vehicles and so Angel was forced to leave the creature to its fate.

The following morning, little Risto had walked the four kilometres from Canada de Praes and was found by a kindly woman outside a hairdresser in the centre of Pilar who took the dog to the Local Police. Enquiries revealed that Risto had no identification microchip and so he was taken to the pound at Los Infiernos near Murcia.

This is where the Animal Charity A.P.A.H. (Asociación Protectora de Animales Horadada) stepped in and animal protection officer and well known rights campaigner, Vicky Pena from Campoverde immediately took little Risto in as a ‘foster carer’ pending a permanent home being found. Indeed, it was Vicky’s idea to name the little Fox Terrier ‘Risto’ after a Spanish television game show personality. And so Risto it has become and a full medical by that ever friendly veterinary surgeon, Senor Arturo Saura Alcaraz whose practise is near the church in Pilar, revealed the dog to be in a poor state, with a severe skin infection, ear infection and conjunctivitis. However, he is now well on the road to recovery thanks to Vicky, Senor Arturo and the A.P.A.H. team and has been fully vaccinated, sterilised and weight stabilised at 7.5 kilos.

Determined as ever, Vicky appeared on Television Horadada with Risto in the hope that someone might recognise the little dog. With the help of her husband John, she has also closely liaised with the Local Police and placed over 100 posters all around Pilar but so far no luck thus far.

Vicky has said, “Risto is a darling. He is growing into a very healthy, intelligent and sociable animal and must have been a lovely home pet for years until his luck ran out. He plays with our other three rescue dogs, loves his little walks and is even a wonderful swimmer! He deserves a second chance in life. Will some kind person out there give him that chance, please?”
Vicky may be contacted on 686 981 794 to enquire about ‘Risto' and A.P.A.H. maintain a website at www.apahrescue.org/ and a Charity shop at Calle Jose Sanchez, Pilar de la Horadada as well as a stall on the Sunday morning market at Campoverde where the all important funds are raised by a team of hard working volunteers to pay for the charitable veterinary care.