A Shar-pei puppy abandoned in the UK underwent a facelift after its natural skin folds continued to cover its eyes and ears. Benny, the Shar-pei was first found wandering along the streets three weeks ago, and when it was discovered, the dog is at the verge of being blind and deaf.

Benny was brought to the Margaret Green Animal Rescue in Dorset by the founding dog warden. Dogs under the Shar-pei breed naturally develop skin folds that tend to overgrow, impairing eye sight and hearing. The staff at the facility immediately assessed Benny and deemed that at least three surgeries may be necessary. The cost of the surgery was estimated to be £1,500 (around $2,361) at the minimum. With the large amount needed, the staff started a fund appeal and luckily, many people responded positively and donated for Benny's cause. On Thursday, June 18, Benny had its first operation and at present, it is recuperating well, almost ready for its second surgery.

Benny also has a double entropian, which is a condition characterized by the inward folding of the eyelids, causing the eyelashes to create friction against its eyes. This condition is so severe in Benny's case that it causes extreme discomfort and development of a potential ulceration. Benny's ear canals have also been constricted due to severe infections.

"When Benny was brought to us by the dog warden we had no way of knowing just how much he was suffering with various health conditions," says Hannah Dunn, senior animal welfare worker. "Benny's problems meant that he was almost blind and his quality of life would be seriously compromised."

After Benny completely recovers from its first operation, it will undergo a second surgery, which is a double ear operation. A third procedure may also be possible. These planned surgeries are not elective and it is highly necessary for Benny to undergo these procedures to avoid the continuous degradation of Benny's health and welfare. The staff would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all those who donated, in behalf of Benny and the entire facility in charge of its care.

"Benny is an extremely friendly and cuddly dog but it is so difficult for us to watch him suffer," according to one of the facility staff. "No puppy deserves to feel as poorly as Benny, or to lose almost all their sight and hearing, and we were in a race against time to raise the funds for his operation."

Photo: M.Peinado | Flickr