The life of a dog can be difficult if not given the right home, and 13-year-old terrier Bobby, from Birkenhead, knows that better than most.
Bobby, a terrier cross, was in a terrible state when he was rescued by RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes, in Birkenhead last week.
But his story has a happy ending as he has now been rescued and rehomed with a member of the RSPCA team who treated him.
Anthony said: “Poor Bobby was in a bad way.
“He was riddled with fleas and other infections which were causing him real problems.”
Bobby’s previous owner said they could no longer care for him due to a change in circumstances and they were considering putting him to sleep.
Bobby was covered in fleas, which caused him to lose fur, as well as sores and infected eyes and ears.
Kay Hawthorne, the branch manager of RSPCA Wirral & Chester Branch, took Bobby in after treating the poor pup.
Kay said: “He was filthy, with more fleas than I have ever seen on a single animal.
“He had barely any fur on his waist down, and thousands of black dots all over him – which were fleas.”
RSPCA staff got to work and cleaned Bobby up and rested.
Kay said: “We cleaned him up and started a course to treat his infections.
“We clipped his gnarled nail and removed a piercing from a pad in his paw, and while this was all going on, his tail was wagging the entire time.”
That night Bobby got the best uninterrupted night’s sleep he’s had in a long time.
Kay loved Bobby’s sweet and loving nature, but she knew that they would have had problems rehoming him, due to his old age.
Not willing to take the chance on Bobby being rehomed, Kay took him in herself, along with her four other dogs.
Kay said: “He’s so happy – there’s life in this old dog yet.”
Inspector Anthony Joynes added: “He was riddled with fleas and other problems, but thanks to the RSPCA staff, Bobby is transformed.
“He has fallen on all four paws, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
If you are a pet owner who is worried about the cost of living crisis, the RSPCA has opened a telephone helpline to support callers and a dedicated Cost of Living Hub with practical help and advice on the website.
The Wirral branch is in need of cat food donations – if you are able to help, please contact them online.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.
