Peggy has learned to enjoy life again thanks to pal Frank.
A young dog dumped cowering and terrified by the roadside now has a second chance at happiness - all thanks to her doggy pal.
Peggy was found in June this year by a member of the public after she was dumped by the A38 near the village Alrewas, in Lichfield, Staffordshire.
She had been found shaking in the grass absolutely terrified - she smelt strongly of urine and was so matted her rescuer thought she was an elderly dog.
The member of the public took the little dog - thought to be a Tibetan terrier crossbreed - straight to RSPCA Hillfield Animal Centre in Burton on Trent.
Staff there found Peggy had no collar and no microchip and after examinations by a vet it was found she was just a year old.
Public engagement manager at the branch Susie O’Neill said: “Peggy was petrified, literally frozen to the spot when she was brought into us
“It took a few hours of coaxing to even get her to a point that she would move her feet.
“The only thing that perked her up was her interest in my dog - 10-year-old Frank. Her love for Frank is what earned her the name Peggy, after the Eastenders duo.
“Peggy began to follow Frank around and he was so patient and calm around her he really helped her to regain her confidence.
“They would go for walks together, and each day her confidence grew and grew.”
Soon after this breakthrough kennel staff monitoring Peggy noticed she had urine dripping almost constantly from her back end.
Sadly, Peggy was suffering from an ectopic ureter, a rare condition that puppies can be born with where the ureter does not terminate in the bladder but elsewhere in the body. She was unable to urinate naturally, - it is thought this could have been one of the reasons she was dumped.
The RSPCA branch then contacted West Midlands Referrals in Lichfield and they agreed to perform an urgent operation to reposition the ureter for a heavily reduced price.
Susie then fostered Peggy during her recuperation in her home alongside her beloved Frank. She added: “Against all the odds the operation was a success and Peggy began the painful process of house training. Frank was with her all the way, he’s such a gentle soul so he was perfect to help rebuild her confidence, she would follow him outside and it was like he would show her what to do.”
In September, after her successful foster, Peggy was met by Charlotte and Russell Leddra-Graham who lives locally in Lichfield and was looking for a new dog. Charlotte and Russell have continued to care for Peggy and she now has the life she deserves.
Susie said: “The kennel staff at the branch were absolutely fantastic in monitoring all the medication Peggy was on and making sure she was happy and comfortable. With their support and that of the local community, it’s been lovely to see Peggy get her happy ending.
“Sadly, the RSPCA do see lots of abandoned and dumped animals every day. Our national call centre received more than 33,000 calls just about abandoned animals in 2017.
“When people take on a new pets - whatever that animal may be they do need to research it, make sure it will suit their lifestyle and that they will be able to provide for it for the entirety of its life - however long that may be.”
“Dumping an animals is never the answer, there is help out there if you are struggling. Please reach out to friends and family, contact your local vets, or a local animal charity. If you are concerned for the welfare of an animal the RSPCA is available 24 hours a day on 0300 123 4999.”