Abused, neglected & left alone – these pets were on the brink of death before inspirational animal charities saved them

THESE plucky pets have all gone through a beastly time – but have beaten the odds to become happy and healthy once more. Last week we told how lurcher Tiggy made a miraculous recovery after being found dumped in the street and almost dead from starvation.

The three-year-old pup was nursed back to health, doubling her weight to 3st at an animal rescue centre in Northumberland. Like Tiggy, with help from similarly devoted charities, these ill-treated animals have all pulled through – with tails that end happily, you might say.

Scrum

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THEN: The mastiff was found by RSPCA officers in June 2018 suffering from the skin condition mange, caused by a parasite bite. Scrum’s skin was tender and raw and needed extensive veterinary treatment, say his rescuers.

NOW: Scrum has made an amazing recovery and is back to full health at the RSCPA’s Bristol Animal Rescue Centre. He is now looking for his forever home, so if you can offer him a loving environment, get in touch with bristolarc.org.uk.

Trooper

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THEN: When Trooper was found on the streets in 2017 his fur was so matted that he couldn’t walk, as one of his legs had become fused to his ear.  The Lhasa apso – a breed from Tibet – was taken in by the Dogs Trust Leeds rehoming centre, where wardens said he was the worst case of neglect they had seen in 30 years.

NOW: After being sheared under general anaesthetic, Trooper proved to be a trouper and was completely healed and ready for a new start in just a few weeks. Now in a foster home in Halifax, he enjoys several walks a day and loves playing in his new garden.

Hunter

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THEN: Hunter the kitten was abandoned last March in a cat carrier with a sign that read: “Help me please”.  At just five months old, the pitiful puss had deformed front legs, straggly fur and a completely bald tail and he was severely underweight and malnourished. Yet even during intensive-care treatment at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Hunter loved cuddles from his carers.

NOW: After specialist medical treatment for his front legs, and with his majestic coat grown back, Hunter is fully back to health and has begun a happier chapter in his life after being adopted by a family.

Tink

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THEN: The Shetland pony was found by the RSPCA in Godalming, stuck in mud up to her stomach, gravely underweight and with no food or grass to graze on. Originally from Dorset, Tink was left alone in a field and kept separate from other ponies.

NOW: Tink has since gained weight and is looking so fit that she was chosen to be in a Christmas RSPCA ad.  Her carers say Tink loves food so much that they have to be strict with her diet.  Patricia Spargo, of the RSPCA, added: “She constantly makes us all laugh as she is so expressive. You can just see what she is thinking all over her face.”

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Archie

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THEN: Last February the frail West Highland terrier was found having lost most of his coat, and skin and ear infections had been left untreated by his then owners. The itchy fungal virus needed a vet’s attention but instead Archie had been left to suffer in pain.

NOW: While at a Dogs Trust vet’s appointment Archie was spotted by Westie fan Anne-Marie, who was looking for a dog to join her family. He has now fully recovered from his problems, thanks to medical treatment and the devotion of his foster family.

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