DogCast Radio
Home Episodes Articles Blog Breed profiles Book reviews Photos Contact

Matted, filthy dog rescued from ‘hellish’ conditions is now prize-winning pooch!

RSPCA officers rescued 22 matted, filthy dogs from a home earlier this year

When you look into Hobbit’s bright eyes and stroke her glossy, fluffy coat you’d think she’d always lived the life of Riley.

But last year the poor two-year-old was living in disgusting conditions, in her own filth with 21 other dogs.

Hobbit and her friends were rescued from a home on the border of Hampshire and Wiltshire by RSPCA officers in March after complaints* to the charity about the dogs and the conditions they were living in.

RSPCA inspector Miranda Albison, who led the investigation, said: “The dogs were living in makeshift kennels and runs in the garden and inside the house.

“There were lots of dogs crammed into rooms and pens, they were all absolutely filthy with matted coats.

“The conditions were absolutely hellish. I can’t begin to describe how awful the smell was.”

Twenty-two Eurasiers - or Eurasian dogs, part of the Spitz family - were seized. Three, including Hobbit, went to Bath Cats & Dogs Home, an RSPCA branch.

Head of fundraising and communications, Rachel Jones, said: “When Hobbit arrived she was matted, covered in faeces and underweight with a body score of just two out of five.

“We tried to brush and clip her coat but, on our first attempt she got so stressed that we have to stop.
“We eventually had to sedate her and shave a lot of her coat as it was in such a terrible state.”

Staff spent three months rehabilitating Hobbit and teaching her to trust people again.

In June, Anna and Mark Abram from Chippenham, Wiltshire, rehomed her. Anna said: “Hobbit is so adorable and loving, she has learned so much in the few months we have had her.

“She has lots of doggy and human friends now, everywhere we go people want to take pictures and ask about her!

“During the holidays we went out for lots of day trips, she loves the beach and will go paddling in the water. We also took her to a festival where there was a dog competition - and she won first prize!”

To help the RSPCA rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs like Hobbit donate by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/give.

To support the work of Bath Cats & Dogs Home visit www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/donate_today.

Sharing

279 - mushrooms for dogs and using parenting principles with pets

In this podcast, Dr Rob Silver reveals how mushroom's can be good for our dogs - and us. Wendy Lyons Sunshine explains how implementing parenting methods with our dogs can improve our relationship with them.

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.