A puppy left so bald by skin disease that she resembled a seal has undergone an amazing transformation and will soon be looking for her forever home.
RSCPA inspector Rowena Proctor went to the property in Newcastle in April. When she opened a door, Pearl poked her head through the gap, and Rowena could see the pup was bald and badly underweight, the Daily Express reports.
Upon arrival, the inspector offered to take her for emergency veterinary treatment, to which the owners agreed. A vet found the four-month-old was severely malnourished and had a skin disease that had caused the fur loss and constant irritation.
Read more: Chopwell wallaby on the loose brought to safety after 12-hour rescue mission
She was given medication and a special diet, and was well on her way to recovery at Felledge Animal Centre, County Durham, in just two weeks.
Thankfully, her fur has now grown back and she has put on weight. The RSPCA say she will soon be ready for adoption.
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.
"She will be available for rehoming with Felledge soon once she has finished her medication and has had a little bit more training.
"I am so thrilled to see how she now looks thanks to the dedicated staff at the RSPCA centre.
"But 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."
The RSPCA is highlighting Pearl’s story as part of its Christmas appeal, which is calling on donations from the public so they can continue to carry out rescues and help neglected pets in need.
This year, the charity has seen a 13% rise in neglect incidents being dealt with by its teams.
To join the RSPCA's Winter Rescue, you can click here.
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