The stray had been in significant pain and discomfort before he was rescued (Picture: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home)
A stray dog found with an array of ‘awful’ injuries has been given a new lease of life after some pampering sessions.
Goose, eight-months-old, was rushed to Battersea’s London base in the middle of the night by a concerned local dog warden.
As well as being underweight with patchy fur, his skin was covered in mange – a severe skin disease that had left him with painful sores and scabs all over his body.
Staff at the charity fear Goose may have been neglected by a previous owner, resulting in the rapid deterioration of his skin condition and subsequent abandonment.
Sores and scabs littered Goose’s body (Picture: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home)
In addition, the charity’s veterinary experts were shocked to find what appeared to be old bite wounds on parts of his body, prompting deep concerns about how he had sustained such injuries.
In the weeks that followed, the team devised a detailed medical plan for Goose to manage his recovery – including taking him out regularly for short ‘sunbathing’ sessions to help aerate and dry out his scabs.
Coupled with regular oatmeal baths to help soothe his itchy skin and laser therapy on his wounds, staff worked assiduously to reverse the effects of the suspected neglect.
Sarah Hughes, Battersea’s rehoming and welfare manager, said: ‘While we have no way of knowing exactly what life Goose had lived up until this point, seeing a young dog in such an awful state is heart-breaking.
Since he was rescued by a dog warden – Goose has been in recovery (Picture: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home)
‘That this easily treatable skin condition was left to reach this level of severity – causing an innocent animal significant pain and discomfort – is extremely distressing for our dedicated staff to see.
‘We completely understand that sometimes owners are unable to cope with their pet’s medical care and simply don’t know where to turn, and we would urge those people to seek help from a rescue or local vet before a situation deteriorates to the extent Goose’s did.
‘However, we sadly know that sometimes an irresponsible owner will knowingly allow their pet to suffer, and we can only hope that in these instances, they will be suitably punished and prevented from harming an animal ever again.’
Despite the ordeal he’d clearly been through in his short life, following some initial timidness Goose quickly proved himself to be an ‘absolute delight’, adoring both fellow dogs and humans.
Goose now lives with Mark who says the dog is ‘adored’ by everyone who meets him (Picture: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home)
In May, the Sentencing Council for England and Wales published new guidelines for courts on animal cruelty crimes – giving them formal recognition in the sentencing process for the first time and empowering judges to hand down tougher judgments for the most serious cases.
Sarah continued: ‘We can only hope this guidance will help ensure offenders receive the punishment they deserve and makes them think twice before inflicting such horrors on these poor animals again.’
Fortunately for Goose, after several weeks of love and attention from his carers his patchy fur had almost completely grown back – meaning he was ready to be rehomed to a new, loving family.
He has since gone on to live in Essex with his new owner, Mark.
He said: ‘Goose is doing great and settling in so well. He’s adored by everyone he meets and is purely a pleasure to be around.
‘I’m so grateful to be able to give this affectionate dog his forever home – despite everything he’s been through, he is truly such an amazing character.’
If you think you could offer a rescue dog a home, find out more on the Battersea website by clicking here.
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The stray had been mistreated by his previous owners – but is now a transformed dog.