Near-death abandoned dog Red finds fairytale ending through SSPCA

Adog found abandoned and near death on a remote lane in Fife has been given a new lease of life after nine months of specialist care.

Scottish SPCA officers found Red, a saluki cross breed, in a severe state abandoned on a single track road in Dunfermline.

Officers say the dog was very skinny and lethargic when he was found due to a lack of food over a prolonged period.

An examination by a vet revealed Red was suffering from painful, swollen joints, dental disease and a fever that was initially believed to be caused by an infection.

Staff at the animal charity immediately set about saving Red’s life, however, his initial outlook looked bleak when he didn’t respond well to treatment and failed to gain weight.

Refusing to give up hope of saving the rescued dog, specialists undertook many more diagnostic tests in order to find the correct treatment.

That effort, involving veterinary care over a ninemonth period, would have cost in excess of £5,000 through a private veterinary clinic.

Scottish SPCA senior vet, Jo Neilson, said: “Red was in our care for nine months while we investigated and then treated his various medical problems.

“This included him having a relapse when we thought we might lose him.

“Our teams get very emotionally invested in the animals we care for and it’s times like these that are the hardest.

“He was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and needed a long course of treatment and regular blood tests, but thankfully he pulled through.”

Red made a big impression on staff at the animal charity, and he has already found a permanent home with one of its employees.

“Such is the bond we build up with the animals we care for, one of our veterinary care assistants, Lynsey, fell in love with him and couldn’t bear to be parted from him,” said Jo.

“Red went home with Lynsey and now has all the love he could ask for.

“Sadly, however, Red’s story is not an isolated case. Many animals arrive with us when they are literally broken.

“Some have suffered for a long time, carrying physical and emotional scars.

“Animals can’t tell us where it hurts, why they’re sick or why they’re scared.

“It’s our job to uncover what has happened to the animals and what treatment they need.

“Red’s happy ending is the best possible outcome for us.

“To see the broken animals who arrive with us go on to loving forever homes, it’s the reason we do what we do.

“We don’t just fix broken bones we fix broken hearts too.”

The animal charity, which relies solely on public donations to exist, currently has 11 vets who provide round-the-clock specialist care for the animals.

No matter the cause of the injury – accidental wounds, disease or intentional injury – the charity is on hand to nurture those animals back to health.

“We don’t just fix broken bones we fix broken hearts too

FIGHTING FIT: Saluki cross Red was found in a terrible state and nursed back to full health with nine months of specialist care by the SSPCA.