Earlier this year, a dog was brought into Battersea Dogs & Cats Home after being hit by a car, not once, but twice - neither driver stopped. The sad little Pug-Terrier-cross had severe injuries to both her front and back legs that left her unable to walk.
The eight-year-old was taken in by a local dog warden when she was found injured on the streets of Enfield, North London, before being brought to the world-famous animal rescue centre. Battersea staff decided to name her Florence.
When the vets at Battersea examined her, they found that Florence’s pelvis was broken in multiple places, her right hip was dislocated and fractured, and she had a pubic fracture. The x-rays also showed that Florence had a broken shoulder, which made the situation even more difficult, as well as some other minor cuts and ailments to her face and body.
Despite all her injuries, Florence remained a very calm, sweet-natured dog and quickly became a firm favourite with all the nurses.
The priority was to make sure Florence lived a pain-free life and the vets at Battersea needed to decide on what the best plan would be going forward.
Shaun Opperman, Battersea’s Veterinary Director, said: “Florence was a tricky case as she had multiple injuries to both front and hind limbs. This understandably complicates the recovery period after any corrective surgery, as her mobility was so severely compromised.”
Battersea vets decided Florence needed a hip operation but faced a possible leg amputation further down the line. How will the little dog cope?
Florence appears in tonight’s episode of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs at 8pm on ITV.
Find out Florence’s fate and watch as she encounters another famous face while out and about with Paul - comedy actress, Jennifer Saunders.