Two dogs miraculously survived without food for over three weeks following the death of their owner.
Staffordshire bull terriers Sammy and Sophie, a brother and sister from the same litter, were trapped in a kitchen after the elderly man died.
By the time the alarm was raised, the 15-year-olds had lost almost half their body weight – and Sammy needed emergency surgery after eating plastic.
Rescue charity All Dogs Matter is now trying to find them a new owner.
Foster carer Charlotte Pearce Cornish, 31, said: “We know they were well cared for by this man because they must have been to survive what they went through.
“They are classic Staffies, both total softies and absolute sweethearts.
“The sweetest thing is their bond, they love sleeping together.
"Sophie has been known to fall asleep on top of Sammy and they are so protective of each other.”
ADM, based in Waltham Abbey, Herts, was contacted on November 17 after the dogs were found in East London.
They weighed around 21lb, roughly half the normal 40lb weight of a Staffie.
Vets discovered Sophie was blind but it is not known if her ordeal caused it.
Consultant Charlotte, of Newham, East London, fed the dogs specialist food and they have regained around 7lb.
All Dogs Matter deputy manager Laura Hedges expects them to return to their optimal weight by February.
She said: “It’s an incredible story of survival. Bearing in mind their age it’s absolutely remarkable they did not die.”
Anyone wishing to offer Sammy and Sophie a home in the London area or support ADM can visit alldogsmatter.co.uk/sammy-and-sophie/
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