It’s the photo Northern Ireland dog lovers have been waiting for; brave Bramble, the stray who survived being mauled by a pack of lurchers and left for dead.
The attack in Derry in February left him fighting for life, his body a mass of puncture, slice and tear wounds that became riddled with infection after 48 hours in hiding.
But today, almost four months on, Bramble has made a full recovery from his trauma and has been adopted by his foster family.
Read more : First Bramble, then Bullet, both dogs were brutalised by the same hunting pack
And the photos shared this week by the charity who saved him from dying in an overgrown garden, speak volumes.
Where once Bramble appeared subdued and closed down, now his face is bright, his eyes shining without a trace of the pain or fear he suffered.
After weeks intensive care and months of aftercare, Bramble was fostered and this week his foster carer officially adopted him.
Last month Drumahoe Vets in Co Derry, who had treated Bramble, handed his care over to the experienced foster home knowing he was in good hands.
And this week PetFBI, the charity who took on responsibility for his care after he was discovered injured, arranged the official adoption papers.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “We are just overjoyed and more that Bramble’s foster mum has adopted him and he’s living his best, best life.
“After almost four months of intense treatment and rehabilitation he’s off all meds and needs no further veterinary assistance.
“This has been a very long and hard road for this defenceless stray but Bramble has beaten the odds and he’s a true survivor.”
Bramble was attacked by five lurchers in the early hours of February 22 in the Glengaliagh area of Co Derry.
Video footage of the incident showed lurcher type dogs rounding on the Golden Labrador until they were walked away by their owner.
Bramble, who is believed to be five, was left on the ground with severe injuries to his throat, groin, privates, back and legs. He went into hiding and was found almost 48 hours later by the team from Pet FBI who took home to Drumahoe vets for emergency care.
Tragically the situation with Bramble was repeated 10 weeks later when the same pack of hunting dogs attacked another dog in the same area.
This time Bullet, a family dog was transported to All Creatures Vets in Limavady after being triaged by police and was being treated within a couple of hours of the attack.
And the speed of his treatment may well have helped the 12-year-old Collie mix who suffered even more severe injuries than Bramble.
Incredibly with dedicated veterinary care, Bullet is starting to heal too and a funding page has been created to help the family with the burgeoning bill which has already reached £7,500.
A spokesperson for PetFBI, said: “The fact that both Bramble and Bullet have survived is miraculous and down to their own remarkable fighting spirit and the phenomenal vet care they received.
“Bramble was left behind by the owner of the dogs who attacked him and who was caught by CCTV walking away after the attack leaving him to suffer in agony and ultimately to succumb to his injuries had he not been found.
“Thank you to everyone who embraced the plight of this very special boy and for the truly humbling donations he received to keep him alive.
“Thank you for your messages and prayers which we received from the world over wishing Bramble love and strength; they mean so much to us.
“And thank you to the team at Drumahoe Vets who quite literally worked around the clock to keep Bramble alive and nurse him back to health. This is a great day for Bramble and ourselves and we’re eternally grateful to you all.
“Today we wish Bullet well in his recovery - we are just so sorry that this has happened again.”
Derry City and Strabane District Council is currently investigating the attacks on Bullet and Bramble under Dog Control legislation, The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 as amended and the Control of Greyhounds Act 1950.
All evidence including witness statements will be considered and the council say they will make a determination on the most appropriate course of action shortly.
Evidence has been gathered and a file is being prepared which will be considered against the Council’s enforcement protocol.
A council spokesperson said: “If it is felt that a prosecution is merited, then a summons will be sent to the court office for service on the defendant.
“Control Conditions have been imposed on the dogs alleged to be responsible for these attacks even though the investigation is still ongoing Under Article 30A of The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983.
“Control Conditions have been attached to the dog licence and will also require the dogs to be securely fitted with a muzzle sufficient to prevent them biting any person or animal in a public place. As this investigation is ongoing the council is unable to provide any further comment.”
A spokesperson for CVS, the vet group whose staff have been caring for Bullet, said: “We are focused on providing the best possible clinical care for animals. In this serious case, our staff were able to provide immediate out-of-hours care to try and ensure the best outcome, and to date we are pleased to see that the patient is making a good recovery.”
