Abandoned and starving, Denver was rescued by the SPCA in June. After three months of care she is ready for adoption
A starving puppy with protruding ribs and sores on her legs has been rescued by the SPCA.
Three months later, the mixed-breed dog named Denver has been nursed back to full health and is ready to be rehomed.
SPCA chief executive Andrea Midgen said a member of the public alertedthem to the abandoned dog at a South Auckland address. An inspector was sent out and greeted with an "horrific" sight in June.
Denver was starving when she was rescued by the SPCA. Photo / SPCA
Denver when she was first rescued by the SPCA. Photo / SPCA
The inspector can be seen coaxing the scared dog towards him with biscuits so he could put a lead around her neck.
"She'd obviously been without food for quite some time, the water was very dirty and disgusting," Midgen said.
"She was pretty malnourished, terrified, ribs protruding out and sores on the front legs.
"She got some love and attention, medical assistance, food and water. It's taken about three months and she's looking a lot better now than when she came in."
Denver is now up for adoption. Midgen said she has a lovely personality and would be a great "sweetheart" to add to someone's family.
Denver who was rescued by the SPCA is now ready to go to a new home. Photo / SPCA
The owners had left unexpectedly and not arranged for anyone to care for the dog. They have since been found and rather than prosecute them the SPCA put them through an education programme.
Midgen said the SPCA gets about 7500 calls a year about mistreated dogs. Of those about half are found to be in a bad shape.
"We see way too much. It varies, we get not having the right water, food, shelter or being tied up and left.
"When growing from pup to adult the collar can grow into their skin.
"Sometimes, sadly, we need to put them down if they're too damaged."
Denver has a loving nature and is described as a sweetheart. Photo / SPCA
Midgen explained that the dog might have suffered too much mental or physical trauma. Like humans who experience trauma they needed to be rehabilitated, but some never recover.
Midgen urged people to avoid owning a cat or dog if they don't think they can care for it.
"Responsible pet ownership is the key. You have to give your animals food, shelter, water, exercise and love and companionship."
