Now together for ever
Reporter ian.johnson01@reachplc.com THEIR plight broke the hearts of dog lovers across Tyneside.
But Peggy and Titch’s almost-tragic tale thankfully has a very happy ending.
The German shepherds were starved to near-death by their former owner Gavin Meek.
RSPCA prosecutors claimed the dogs had been “suffering for months”.
But their ordeal is now well and truly over after they found a new home – together.
“I read about their ordeal and thought, ‘Well I have space for them,’” said their new owner, whom we’ve agreed not to identify.
“People were interested in Titch because she’s younger and I thought Peggy might get left behind.
“But I wanted them both to be together so I’ve taken them both.” But Peggy’s age wasn’t the only thing stopping her from finding a home. At a hearing in July, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard she was “cowering and nervous” when they were discovered locked in an outhouse.
They were so skinny, vets could easily wrap their fingers around their waists.
But both are well on their way to a full recovery.
“Titch has put loads of weight on and has a shiny coat,” said the owner. “Peggy has only been here a week. She was jumpy at first but comes up to you and she is already getting better.” Peggy and Titch’s new owner Meek, from Jarrow, was banned from keeping animals despite his sentencing hearing being told he was a dog lover at heart. Both the dogs seem to be full of joy in their new surroundings. “They are lovely and playful and like running around,” said their new owner. “They are loyal, loving and always beside you.”