A dog rescue centre in Sandwich has launched a campaign to raise £6,000 for a poodle who can’t even drink water because of years of neglect.

Eight-year-old Oodles was taken in by Futures For Dogs, weighing only 2.2kg instead of the healthy 7 or 8kg.

With matted flea-ridden fur, dislocated knees and rotten teeth, it was a difficult time for the volunteers who didn’t want to see him suffer any longer.

But after five hours of grooming, his cheeky character and loving nature gave them hope.

Oodles was given to the rehoming organisation by a Dover woman who had owned him for two years after rescuing him from a home in Kent.

She claims that the majority of his injuries were sustained before he came to her and denies that he was matted, claiming that he had been groomed the day before he went to Futures for Dogs.

But the woman, whose identity we are protecting, does admit he had fleas in the days before he went and that his teeth had 'got worse' in the two years she had him.

She claims he was able to drink water when he left her home and that she had previously been told he wasn't under weight.

Futures for Dogs founder Stevie Henry is now asking people to think about hosting a coffee morning, quiz night or raffle to help raise money towards Oodles’ treatment, giving him the pain-free life he deserves.

Ms Henry said: “We are making a huge appeal far and wide so please help us by donating or raising funds for him.”

Ms Henry said she and volunteers were left in tears as they groomed and removed Oodles’ matted fur, revealing the true nature of his condition.

It is believed he was used as a stud dog before he was taken in by his previous owners.

"All he wanted was to be cuddled. The cuddles are heartbreaking when you are just holding a bag of bones" - Stevie Henry

Ms Henry said: “All he wanted was to be cuddled. The cuddles are heartbreaking when you are just holding a bag of bones.”

She said: “As a result he has horrific dental problems.

“Recurring and untreated jaw infections have left his jaw line fragile. His teeth are rotten and he is going to have to have them all removed.

“X-rays revealed that both his knees are in full luxation and need surgery so he can walk.

“He also has a fistula (hole) from his top gum into his nasal cavity where food could become trapped, and probably has over the years. This could cause more infections.”

The fistula is also the reason Oodles cannot drink without it coming out of his nose.

Ms Henry added: “All of this means he has been in excruciating pain and explains why he only weighed in at 2.2kg.

“He was starving to death because he was unable to eat.”

While in foster care, Oodles enjoys trotting around the garden with his new foster pals. He has also gained weight following a raw soft food diet.

Ms Henry said: “He’s come out of himself so much.

“He is on antibiotics for the infections and pain relief. He has become a cheeky little character who already seems to be saying thank you to us.”

She said: “There is no excuse for it. There is help out there for those who can’t afford vet bills. PDSA, RSPCA and Blue Cross all offer help. Simply not taking your pet to a vet is cruel and against the law.”

A street collection in Deal during the day on New Year’s Eve is hoped to raise cash towards the bills.

To share your fundraising ideas with Stevie visit ‘Futures For Dogs’ on Facebook.

Donations can be made via Paypal using futuresfordogs@aol.com or at Lloyds Bank (Futures For Dogs, sort code 30 93 34, account 03127768)