A dog with heart problems has been rescued from a busy town bypass after being dumped by its owner.
A kindhearted bus driver, who was on her way back to the depot, spotted the dog and drove the stricken animal to the RSPCA Great Ayton Animal Centre.
The Bedlington terrier, who is around six-years-old, was suffering from severe infections in both ears. His fur was also heavily matted and overgrown, obscuring most of his face.
RSPCA Inspector Krissy Raine took the dog to a local vet, where, under sedation, he was groomed, his ears were cleaned out and he was treated with antibiotics.
The inspector says the infection was the worst she'd ever seen in a canine and the vet's expert view is that the dog - who has been named Malcolm by staff at Great Ayton - may have been suffering for years.
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"Malcolm was in a horrendous state when he was found and he has been neglected possibly for years," said Krissy.
Both his ears were affected and one was a lot worse than the other. The ear canal had calcified.
There was pus coming out of both ears. They were both cleaned up and swabs were taken as he may have to undergo surgery in the future.
Because of the condition of his fur he was completely sheared, which produced half a kilo of matted hair.
Yet unbelievably, considering what he has been through he is such a good-natured, friendly dog.
The RSPCA is trying to establish how Malcolm came to be left wandering alone on the A171 bypass, in Guisborough, North Yorkshire.
He was not microchipped and he was not wearing a collar when he was found. The state of his neglect suggests he may have spent most of his time left outdoors in a kennel.
Krissy added: "Someone may have seen a dog like Malcolm that has been left out in a kennel for long periods. It looks like he has been kept outside as his claws are really sharp.
"We don't know whether he was dumped or he may have managed to escape. But it is fortunate that he was found when he was as I don't know whether he would have survived that much longer suffering as he was from such horrific infections.
"Thankfully, the bus driver saw him and she was kind enough to pick him up.
"He's doing wonderfully well at Great Ayton, but I don't know how he manages to be so friendly and happy after what he's come through."
Once he is fully recovered from his ordeal, Malcolm will be found a home by the RSPCA.
Malcolm was spotted at around 8pm on May 27. Anyone who has any information about how he came to be on the bypass or who his owner may be is asked to ring the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please donate online or call 0300 123 8181.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
