Success stories

They were rescued from an appalling fate – but have found happiness in loving new homes. Meet just two of the animals who owe their lives to the generosity of RSPCA supporters.

Oliver’s story

When this frail puppy was found dumped in woods in Lincoln, he had so little fur that it was hard to tell what breed he was. He was about 10 weeks old, terribly thin and riddled with mange.

RSPCA Inspector Dean Astill-Dunseith said: “This poor little dog was too young to fend for himself, and could have suffered terribly had he not been found.”

An RSPCA animal collection officer took him to a vet, where staff named him Oliver as he was always hungry. His treatment cost £1,000; and as mange is contagious, he had to be cared for in a special isolation kennel by animal fosterers Maureen and Nick Armiger.

Oliver has now been happily rehomed with the Armigers and their rescue cat Charlie. Watching this beautiful, playful dog, you’d never guess at his grim start in life. “He’s absolutely brilliant and quite a character,” said Maureen. “His hair’s all grown back and he looks like a spaniel now.”

Kenny’s story

Our inspectors rescued little Kenny, along with an astonishing 245 other dogs, from a squalid house in the north west. It was one of the worst cases of its kind. The dogs were in such terrible condition that their owner was given a lifetime ban on owning animals.

Yet despite his ordeal, Kenny hadn’t lost his wonderful, friendly nature. It was this special personality that made him suitable as a Hearing Dog for deaf people; after just 16 weeks’ training, the feisty little dog went on to a loving home, where he has transformed the life of his deaf owner. His courage deservedly won him the title of Rescue Hearing Dog of the Year.

Want to read more success stories? We've got plenty of rehoming successes.