More Than Skin Deep

I knew Ted wasn’t just a beloved little dog...

- Pauline Read

With his fluffy face and button nose, he was the cutest Shih Tzu I’d ever seen.

It was 2005, and the fifth year of running my charity Home Counties Shih Tzu Rescue.

Even though my job was to find new, loving homes for the adorable waifs and strays, there was something about this 6-month old bundle of fur I simply couldn’t resist.

So…

Strong bond

‘He’s staying,’ I decided. I named him Ted, and he quickly settled in with the numerous other rescue Shih Tzus. 

He was such a lovely little fella. So warm and friendly, our bond was unbelievably strong.

So much so, I’d an inkling we’d shared a past life together.

I know it sounds bonkers, but there was something else…

Within months, Ted developed sore patches on his legs and paws.

I have them, too, on my arms. Over the years

Was it a coincidence we both had skin conditions?

I’ve tried all sorts of treatments. Nothing’s worked. 

When I took Ted to the vet, he couldn’t figure out what was causing his sores, either.

Past life

I began to wonder… was it just a coincidence we both had skin conditions, or was there a deeper reason?