Published: 2025-08-20 21:09:14 | Views: 8
A heart-wrenching tale of an abandoned dog has tugged at the nation's heartstrings after it was discovered in a crate with a poignant note from its previous owner. The pooch, believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross named Spud, was found on July 29.
The four or five-year-old hound was discovered in a crate in the Wirral, Merseyside. Accompanying the dog was a note from its former owner, expressing their inability to provide Spud with the home he deserved.
They said Spud was a "really loving house dog" but confessed they couldn't "give him the life he deserves". The previous owners also revealed their unsuccessful attempts to re-home Spud over several weeks and apologised "for resorting to this".
After Spud was found, good samaritans took him to Jackson's Animal Rescue where it was discovered he was suffering from fur loss and claws growing into his pads. Despite being microchipped, the device was not functioning and he has since been fostered by a vet for further recovery.
In a statement, Lucy Welch, Animal Rescue Officer at the RSPCA's Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, described Spud as sweet and gentle despite his past ordeal.
Lucy said: "Spud is a lovely, gentle natured dog. All he wanted to do was sit on my lap and have a cuddle and be showered with affection. He was very polite to the other dogs he saw at the hospital and walked really nicely on a lead when I took him to my van.
"His overgrown claws are an indication he'd probably not had enough exercise. They were growing into his pads which were red and sore - possibly from urine staining - and he would have been left feeling very uncomfortable.
"I'd like to say a huge thank you to the person who found Spud and took him to a place of safety, to Jackson's Animal Rescue for kindly transporting him for initial treatment, and to the veterinary teams who provided wonderful care."
Despite Spud quickly adapting to his new surroundings, Lucy warned that he was still traumatised by his past experiences.
She said: "Being on his own in a crate in an unfamiliar environment would have been a distressing experience for Spud and it's heartbreaking to think of him being left to fend for himself.
"We'd plead with people to seek help and advice from appropriate organisations if they are experiencing difficulties and not to abandon their pets in vulnerable situations like this.
"It was a remote location and we could be looking at any number of possible scenarios had he not been found."
Furthermore, Lucy pointed out that due to the rising cost of living, many individuals find the expense of pet ownership prohibitive, often only realising the full extent of the costs after the pet has arrived.
She explained: "Our Animal Kindness Index showed us that costs remain a concern for many pet owners - while issues like pet behaviour can be another challenge - but, whatever the reason, abandoning an animal like this is never acceptable.
"There's help out there, and the RSPCA website - including our pet care and cost of living hub - is a one-stop shop to help owners who may be struggling financially."
Figures from the RSPCA's Animal Kindness Index revealed that more than half of pet owners, 52 percent, were concerned about the expense of veterinary bills and their ability to afford the animals they cherish and adore.