Rescue dog set for first Christmas in new home
“I’m so excited to have Nini with us this Christmas, it’ll make it such a magical day.” – Alison Southgate.
A dog rescued by the RSPCA in the run-up to Christmas 2023 is set to celebrate this year’s festive period in her new home.
Nina, an American bulldog crossbreed, was signed over to the charity’s care 10 days before Christmas along with five other dogs after their owner agreed that they couldn’t properly care for them.
RSPCA inspector Deb Scotcher, who worked on the case, said: “Nina was worryingly skinny with overgrown nails, sore skin, and filthy fur. She’d clearly been living outside without access to shelter or any warm, dry areas for some time.
“She looked like she’d given up when we saw her curled up tight into a ball huddled next to her friend for warmth and comfort, surrounded by mud and faeces.”
Nina, who was two years old, was taken to RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre in Cambridgeshire to be looked after. The staff there used a slow-feeder bowl as she ate her food so quickly and it took the team time to help her feel comfortable with wearing a lead.
In response to the care at the centre, she started to transform into a more outgoing dog who enjoyed walks around the grounds and playtime in the paddocks and play areas.
In April, Nina was spotted on the RSPCA’s Find A Pet page by Alison Southgate from Stowmarket, Suffolk.
The staff at the RSPCA were unsure if Nina had ever previously lived in a home and the dog was nervous when she was first brought to live with her new family.
Ms Southgate, who has nicknamed her Nini, said: “When we first brought Nini home we let her have the run of the whole house so she could explore and see everything; she didn’t know what the TV was!”
Although she still gets spooked by other dogs barking and has scars and bitemarks on her chest from her previous life, Nina is now settled in her new home. She likes to play in the garden and have cuddles with Ms Southgate’s son Jareth.
A year on from being rescued, she is set to celebrate Christmas in her new home.
Ms Southgate added: “I’m so excited to have Nini with us this Christmas, it’ll make it such a magical day.
“She’ll get her own stocking and lots of doggy presents to enjoy on the day - and I’m sure she’ll get a special dinner too, although I expect all she’ll really want to do is snooze under the tree all day!”
Image © RSPCA
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
