Starving dogs rescued from Canterbury house go through incredible transformation
Published: 05:00, 01 March 2022
Updated: 15:50, 01 March 2022
Pictures show the amazing transformation of a dog who was discovered looking “like a bag of bones” alongside her starving puppies less than three weeks ago.
American bulldog Daisy May and nine of her offspring were described as being "at death's door" when they were rescued from a home in Canterbury on February 12.
Shocking images showed how the three-year-old was painfully thin, with volunteers from Guardian Angels Dog Rescue saying she looked like “she had given up".
Sadly, one of the rescued puppies - who was named Annie - died a week after the litter was taken into the care of the not-for-profit organisation.
But now, most of the puppies, and especially Daisy-May, continue to make drastic improvements in a foster home.
Christine Recton, who co-founded Guardian Angels, said: "When I saw Daisy-May she was at death's door, and from her demeanour and look, she had given up.
“She was a broken dog.
"Now, she is bouncing about, she recognises me, and she is going out for walks and is loving life.
"She is so happy and her face is so lovely, and she is beginning to get the shape back in her face."
The owner of the dogs had reportedly left them at the Canterbury house with a young woman, promising to return, but he never did.
While 10 puppies were discovered, one of them had already died from suspected malnutrition.
Guardian Angels had been alerted by the mother of the young woman after the dog’s death.
Daisy May and her puppies almost starved to death but are doing well since being rescued
Speaking to KentOnline previously, Ms Recton said: “I’ve never seen anything like it.
“Daisy May was like a skeleton - just a bag of bones.
“She clearly hadn’t eaten in ages and was so emaciated it was hard to even tell what breed she was.
"How she'll ever trust humans again, I don't know.
“She had no milk so the puppies were also starving, and one had sadly died.
“They were screaming for hours.”
After the dogs were signed over to Guardian Angels, Mrs Recton called the RSPCA to alert the charity to the situation.
It was agreed the dogs would stay with Guardian Angels, and KentOnline understands it is unlikely a prosecution for neglect will be pursued.
While the condition of the dogs has improved, there remain complications, with all nine set to be seen by a vet today.
Daisy May will be examined to investigate some bleeding in her womb, while the runt of the litter is said to be “not doing too well”.
Guardian Angels typically faces vets bills of about £2,500 a month, and relies on donations to fund treatment and routine procedures such as micro-chipping and neutering.
It says supporters have given generously to help the puppies, which are a litter of seven boys and one girl and thought to be a cross between an American bulldog and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Guardian Angels is seeking cash donations, but also puppy pads, food and durable toys for the puppies.
To donate, click here.
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Brad Harper