A "scared and dirty" dog who was dumped in a cage beside a country road has been rescued by the RSPCA, and is starting to come out of her shell thanks to the care of kind staff.
The "terrified" spaniel, named Elsa, was abandoned in Burtle, Somerset, in January, and found by a member of the public in a horrific state, with "overgrown nails, soaking wet hair and a filthy coat".
Due to her traumatic past, Elsa fears some human touch and struggles to be affectionate - but the amazing care team at RSPCA Brent Knoll Animal Centre are showing her what it means to be loved.
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Katy Darelli, Deputy Manager at RSPCA Brent Knoll, said: "Since arriving in our care we’ve been doing everything we can to gain Elsa’s trust.
"We’ve already managed to get her out of her kennel, and she now accepts some fuss which is great progress.
"She is still very shy and worried about general life but we are making slow but good progress."
Rescuers suspect six-year-old Elsa had been used for breeding on a puppy farm, after spotting signs she'd given birth to a number of litters.
Often, breeding dogs like Elsa are abandoned when they are no longer needed or they become infertile.
Nervous Elsa is learning to accept treats, play with toys and live life like a "normal dog" at Brent Knoll.
Staff couldn't be happier that she is finally on the road to recovery.
As she furthers her training, the timid pup is looking for a permanent place to call home and a family to settle down with.
Any potential adopters will need to be patient and understanding, to allow her to gain some confidence in everyday tasks, such a walking out and about on a lead.
Elsa would be best suited to an adult-only home with no cats or furry animals, and staff are yet to decide if she could live alongside another dog.
Katy added: "We go to extraordinary lengths to make sure animals who come into our care are ready to find loving new homes. It can take weeks, months, and even years in some cases but we never give up on them."
The RSPCA are also appealing for any information on how Elsa became abandoned. If you know of any history, please contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
If you would like to find out more about Elsa and how to adopt her, please visit her online profile.
Do you have a dog story to sell? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
