A neglected Staffordshire bull terrier was found in an awful condition. The 14-year-old animal, now named Gerry, was dehydrated and malnourished when he was rescued. He also had rotten teeth and a missing toe.
Life is now looking up for the pooch, who is thought to have suffered a tough time. Gerry is now being cared for at the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) in Cornwall.
He was brought in by the dog warden with untreated rotten teeth, a number of lumps and bumps, and a missing toe, and sadly these were just some of the ways he had been neglected.
Pictures shared by the trust show the sad-looking dog now cuddled up in a blanket, as he finally reaches a place he will be properly cared for. The team says it was "quite shocked" when they first saw him.
Gerry's state was described as "no state for any dog to be in" when he came through the NAWT doors this month, reports CornwallLive.
"At 14 it is heart-breaking to think how long Gerry could have been in this way," said a spokesperson for the charity.
It described the dog as a "sweetheart" despite obviously having suffered in his life.
Soon after arriving, tests revealed he needed a lot of dental work, vaccinations, castration, and flea and worm treatment.
He also has a small heart murmur, a missing toe, and is visibly very malnourished and dehydrated.
It added that the team was "quite shocked" when they first saw Gerry but were giving him lots of walks, food, treats and cuddles.
NAWT is also issuing an urgent plea for anyone who might be able to contribute towards his time in the rescue.
If you would like to make a contribution towards Gerry’s stay in rescue and vet bills, click here.
