An abandoned dog found ‘in a terrible state’ by a member of the public in Bristol has amazed workers at the city’s animal rescue centre. The lurcher has been named Soldier, and was brought to the Bristol Animal Rescue Centre after being found in a wildlife area in the city limping around as a stray.
The poor pooch was dangerously underweight with a protruding rib cage, had open sores on his legs and his ear tip was damaged. Those caring for him at the St Philips centre said it was obvious his wounds and injuries had been left untreated for some time and Soldier was behaving like he was in shock.
Read more: Inside the shocking puppy farm discovered in Bristol
“He was very accepting of all the care he received, he obviously knew the team was there to help him,” said his carer at the Bristol ARC, Kayleigh. “We have no way of knowing how long he had been straying for before arriving here and his injuries were not fresh.
“His body condition alone would tell us that he had been neglected,” she added.
Staff at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre began the long, slow and painstaking efforts to treat his injuries and wounds, and nurse him back to good mental health as well as physical health. The loving lurcher is one of a growing number of animals that are increasingly arriving at the ARC with significant medical issues, the charity said.
“Many pets are going without urgent medical care, particularly during the cost of living crisis and unfortunately we are picking up the pieces,” said the centre’s animal home manager, Jodie Hayward.
“More animals are coming into our care with complex needs, and fewer people want to adopt them. We need support to give more of them a second chance at a happy life,” she added.
“We’re here to make sure that no animal gets left behind, but we’re up against a challenge. Nationally, animal intake is up 8.4 per cent as pet owners struggle to afford their pets’ care during the cost of living crisis.
“We’re seeing an increase in pets arriving with untreated medical conditions, which means they’re staying longer too – the average stay for a dog is up from 85 days to 93 days. Not only that, but there are fewer people willing to adopt, particularly dogs like Soldier with complex needs,” she added.
“Dogs like Soldier need time, patience and care. We wouldn’t be able to provide that without our kind supporters. By giving what you can, you’re helping to ensure dogs like Soldier get a second chance at a happy life,” she added.
It was January when Soldier first arrived, and the first few weeks were spent restoring him to physical health, with months more spent getting him to come out of his traumatised shell.
“He was worried by things when he first arrived in January, but he’s come such a long way since then,” said Kayleigh. “Gradually over the past few months in our care, Soldier has started to find his feet again.
“He can still be a little worried, but we are seeing his real personality shine through now. He loves cuddles and will happily sit for half an hour or more on someone’s lap enjoying the attention. Now that he’s used to human affection, he can get quite lonely and loves being in the company of people; this is so positive for a dog who was also neglected by people. We’d like to find him a home where he’ll have lots of attention, ideally someone who is home a lot and can spend all day with him – he deserves the very best after everything he’s been through,” added Kayleigh.
“He’s still a bit anxious around other dogs, although we have carefully introduced him to another dog in our care and they have enjoyed a few walks together. All in all, he’s just a really good boy and it’s fantastic to see how far he’s come during his time in our care”.
“Soldier has successfully completed a care plan to help him gain weight and now that he’s reached his goal he is available for adoption,” she added.
Read more:
- Relive memories of Bristol Zoo days with charming photo collection
Mayor warned he faces a Plymouth-style tree backlash unless he protects all the trees at Bristol Zoo
Bristol Zoo redevelopment 'set for green light' as boss defends closure
City centre hotel to be demolished for what could be Bristol's tallest building
Follow the latest updates on this story and others like it here.
