A Scots 'bait dog' who was likely used for fighting has found his forever home.
Rocco was found with horror injuries when he came into the care of the Scottish SPCA's Lanarkshire centre in Hamilton.
The poor pooch had various scars and wounds consistent with a bait dog that had been used for dog fighting and then ‘disposed’ of.
Evil dog fighters use bait dogs to let their game dogs practice mutilating another dog, without being harmed in the process.
Rocco couldn’t be rehomed for the first three months as his skin was in such bad condition that he required specialist veterinary care including special baths with medical shampoo.
But then Ryan and Claire came along and gave him a loving home - and his adopted parents say that despite his violent background, Rocco is a gentle and friendly hound.
A spokesperson for the SSPCA said: "When Rocco found his forever home with Ryan and Claire, he weighed just 18kg.
"We’re told he is now a healthy 23/24kg ... depending on how close to Christmas it is!
"Ryan and Claire visited our centre with only 10 minutes left until its closing, they briefly met Rocco for five minutes and straight away knew he was meant to be part of their family."
Rocco settled quickly into his new home, but his new owners said it probably took a good year of building a bond before he really let them in and started to trust them.
The greatest thing they say they have noticed is his change in confidence.
The couple didn’t realise how long it would take him to recover - but they're delighted to say he has really come out his shell.
The SSPCA added: "Despite his background Rocco has a calm and gentle nature, and is very friendly with people.
"He loves his food and his sleep.
"He also loves to go in the car so much so that he will jump in the post man’s van any time he gets the chance!
"If he’s not spending his day playing with his ball or rope toy, he enjoys being adventurous and hates being left out of any trips."
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