His is the face of the trauma and torture of puppy farming in Northern Ireland.
Bert, the Cocker Spaniel, should have a shiny coat, bright eyes and an ice cold nose.
Instead his years used to breed endless litters of puppies sold at huge expense have left him sick, depressed and in need of drastic surgery.
Now too old to be a stud dog, he has been dumped as the attentions of unscrupulous breeders turn to other pups they can profit from.
Bert has been rescued by a Co Down charity, who urged the public to open their eyes to the reality of the cute pup they may be thinking of booking.
A spokesperson for Almost Home, Moira, said: “Another face ... another puppy farm dog. Meet Bert, this time the stud dog. How many puppies had this boy been responsible for?”
The charity said when they got Bert he was suffering from a severe mange infection, his tail so badly affected it cracked and bled when he moved.
The spokesperson added: “His testicles are red raw probably caused by urine burns, he has a skin infection, rotten teeth, and two big tumours.
“Bert has never been on lead, he’s never had any kindness offered and he has the saddest eyes, a lovely boy terrified of everyone and everything.
“Bert has been with us for two weeks now and needed high doses of antibiotics to help him before surgery.
“He spent two hours under anaesthetic yesterday to have the tumours removed, 11 teeth out and neutered.
“We will find Bert a home where he will never have another day of hardship.
“Please make sure when you go to buy a pup that you meet the mum, ask about the dad.”
The surgery costs for Bert have been covered by supporters of the charity who donated money to help another dog, Holly, a breeding bitch who came to them with a massive tumour.
The charity’s spokesperson said: “There are so so many Berts and Hollys out there.
"Our supporters’ generosity in supporting Holly has paid for Berts operation too. Thank you will never be enough.”
