A mistreated puppy looked "more like a seal” than a dog after going bald when her owners failed to treat her skin disease. The malnourished Staffordshire bull terrier, named Pearl, was just four months old when RSPCA staff discovered her in a home during April this year.
Inspector Rowena Proctor noticed the poorly pup in the doorway of the property in Newcastle. But Pearl has since made an “absolutely amazing” recovery and is enjoying a “healthy and happy” life while she waits to be adopted.
Rowena said: “The transformation she has undergone is absolutely amazing. She looked more like a seal than a puppy when I rescued her - now she looks just how you would expect and is so healthy and happy.
“She is full of energy and life and is very excitable and also very loving too. I am so thrilled to see how she now looks thanks to the dedicated staff at the RSPCA centre.”
Rowena, who was tipped off by a member of the public about Pearl’s condition, took her for emergency veterinary treatment after her owners agreed to let her go. And a vet found she was severely underweight and had an awful skin disease, which caused fur loss and constant irritation.
She was given medication and a special diet and within just two weeks, the pup was on the road to recovery at Felledge Animal Centre, Chester-le-Street, County Durham. Now all her hair has grown back and she has put on weight, she is a picture of health and will be looking for her forever home very soon.
Rowena said: “She will be available for rehoming with Felledge soon once she has finished her medication and has had a little bit more training."
However, the RSCPA has seen a 13 per cent rise in neglect incidents recently – as the cost of living crisis puts more pressure on families. And Rowena warned that many more animals may suffer as owner struggle to afford much-needed veterinary care for their pets.
Rowena added: “Sadly calls to the RSPCA about neglect like this case have risen as the cost of living crisis bites and with more people struggling, we expect more animals will be neglected and abandoned by owners who can no longer afford to care for them.
"This is why we have launched our Winter appeal to help raise funds so we can keep rescuing and rehoming pets in need like Pearl - and we are urging the public to support us.”
Pet owners worried about the cost of living crisis are encouraged to telephone the RSPCA’s helpline for practical advice and support - or to look at their website, www.rspca.org.uk/home
