25/11/2025
Meet Whisky - our stunning 2 year old Huntaway X.
Her former owners did everything they could to manage her chronic and severe skin condition, but eventually made the heartbreaking decision to surrender her so she could have the chance at a healthier, more comfortable life.
Whisky has the most beautiful nature. She’s gentle, affectionate, and absolutely loves people - including children. She gets along wonderfully with other dogs, is great with cats, and truly just wants to please. She is one of those dogs who instantly wins hearts without even trying.
Since coming into our care, we’ve already made significant progress. We’ve successfully treated the fungal aspect of her condition, which had left her skin red, flaking, bleeding in places, and carrying an unpleasant smell. After a full veterinary work up, hypothyroidism has been ruled out, so our focus now shifts to healing her body from the inside out - beginning with her gut health.
As you can see in the photos, Whisky’s coat is thin in several areas, with patchy bald spots under her front legs, on her neck, chest, abdomen, and back. Her skin is also dry with slight redness on her chest and neck, while the skin on her abdomen is thicker and has a tough, leather-like texture.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have Go Raw Pet Food NZ partnering with us to support Whisky’s recovery. Go Raw believes that pets thrive when fed the way nature intended. Their raw dog and cat food is made from high-quality New Zealand sourced ingredients and is designed to meet each animal’s natural nutritional needs. They have generously agreed to fully support Whisky’s raw feeding journey at no cost, and we are beyond grateful!
Healing takes time, and meaningful dietary change doesn’t happen overnight. Whisky has now begun Month 1 of her specialised feeding plan, designed to soothe inflammation, repair her gut, and set the foundation for long-term skin and immune health. Here’s her feeding plan:
This phase keeps her diet simple, gentle, and highly targeted.
Morning:
- 300g Veal Tongue & Spleen Roll.
- 1 × Salmon Roe Cube.
- 50ml Probiotic.
- Raw Bone (every 2–3 days).
Evening:
- 300g Veal Tongue & Spleen Roll.
- 1 × Wild Organ Cube.
- 1 × Salmon Roe Cube.
For this first month, Whisky will receive extra Salmon Roe - one cube in the morning and one in the evening - for added anti-inflammatory support.
Why This Diet Works:
Veal Tongue & Spleen Roll...
- Gentle, low-reactive protein ideal for sensitive skin.
- Easy to digest.
- Spleen offers natural multivitamin support (iron, B-vitamins, antioxidants).
- Tongue provides rich, nourishing muscle meat.
Salmon Roe...
- A powerful natural source of omega-3s.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Supports skin repair and coat health.
- More bioavailable than traditional fish oil.
- Highly effective for chronic skin issues.
Wild Organ Cube...
- Provides essential vitamins and minerals.
- Supports skin, immune function, and overall vitality.
- Nutrient dense without adding complex proteins.
Probiotic...
- Helps restore healthy gut bacteria.
- Reduces internal inflammation.
- Supports immunity.
- Safe even with slight over-measurement.
Raw Bone...
- Naturally cleans teeth.
- Strengthens jaw.
- Provides calcium.
- Offers mental stimulation and enrichment.
Whisky’s journey back to health has only just begun, but with her sweet temperament, gentle soul, and the support of Go Raw Pet Food NZ - we know she’s on the right path. This sweet girl has so much love to share, and we can’t wait to see her thrive.
Follow along for Whisky Wednesdays on our social media starting next week!
Photos by Em Boyle Photography.
