Four dogs found in squalid conditions at a Whitby house are ready to be re-homed and are looking for new owners.
Moss, Paul, Snowy and Patch have been receiving care and rehabilitation at the RSPCA’s York, Harrogate & District Branch after they were found living in extremely poor conditions following the death of their owner.
They were part of a large group of animals rescued from the house, including ten other dogs and 17 birds.
The ten other dogs are being looked after at the RSPCA’s rehoming centre at Landing Lane in York where staff say their recovery has been “heartwarming” to watch.
RSPCA officers attended after being alerted by police and described conditions at the property as “extremely challenging.”
Many of the dogs were emaciated and had matted coats covered in faeces and urine. Four of them were hospitalised overnight.
The birds, including finches, parrots and budgerigars, are being cared for at a specialist private facility on behalf of the RSPCA.
The four dogs who are ready to find new homes are Moss, a two-year-old Cocker Spaniel. Described by staff as a very sweet-natured boy, he is beginning to understand life can be fun and exciting – but it all has to be done at his own pace.
Due to his past, Moss can be unsure of new situations and surroundings but is much more confident when he’s around other dogs, so is looking for a home with another confident canine. His new owners will initially need to be with him most of the time to help him settle and Moss will need an adult-only home.
Black and white Border Collie Patch, about two-and-a-half years old, is thought to have never worn a collar or been walked on a lead. He is beginning to enjoy off-site walks and explore the outside world but he is still learning, so adopters will need to be understanding of his needs and support him in new situations such as traffic and busy roads.
Patch is very sociable with other dogs but would prefer a female dog for company in his new home. He can live with children aged 14 and over and needs someone with him most of the day.
Paul, is a four-year-old brown and white Border Collie is described as extremely affectionate and intelligent and has already shown a willingness to learn new things. He loves toys and would play all day long but his exercise continues to be monitored as he was emaciated on arrival and still building weight back up.
He will need active owners who, when the time is right, will be able to take him on adventures and keep him busy. He could live with secondary-aged children but will need to be the only dog in the house.
White Lurcher Snowy, 16-months-old, will also need patient and understanding owners to help him make up for lost time as he is unsure of new things. He walks well on a lead but can be daunted by traffic. Adopters will need to commit to continuing his training as he’s a clever dog who has done well since arriving at the centre.
Snowy loves cuddles and will make a wonderful family pet. He could live with other dogs and children aged 14 and above.
Animal Centre Manager Ruth McCabe, said: “We’ve found it so heartwarming looking after these dogs. They were so shut down, underweight, and completely bewildered by what was happening to them,
but we could also see the relief that they had finally been rescued and were safe.
“Watching them improve and grow stronger in our care has been truly incredible. At first, we simply sat with them, letting them get used to new people and surroundings. The first time they wagged their tails or gave us a gentle lick was so precious.
“They have all shown such bravery, and we are so proud of how well they have fought back and recovered. We are also incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated to the appeal, as some of the dogs have needed medical treatment and procedures which can be expensive.
“We’re so pleased that four of them are ready to begin their adoption journeys where they will be shown what it means to be loved and cared for.”
