Thin, Hairless Pooch Covered In Sores Make Incredible Recovery After Being Rescued

A painfully thin and hairless Alsatian has been given a new lease life after being rescued.

Four-year-old Ralph had been living as a stray on the streets of South London and was close to death when he was brought to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

His skinny body was covered in sores, he had a severe bacterial infection, a problem with one of his ears and an eye condition.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

The poor pooch required around the clock care to ensure his survival - but, thankfully, due to the hard work and best efforts from staff at the rescue centre, just one month later he was taken home by a volunteer and now looks like a completely different dog.

But Wendy Tung, a volunteer who regularly fosters dogs, ended up forming so strong bond with Ralph that she adopted him on a permanent basis and, four years later, the pair are as close as ever.

Speaking to the Mirror, Wendy said: "Ralph is a wonderful dog. He brings me companionship and so much love and affection. Every day I think how lucky I am to have him.

"He had such a difficult start in life, but he has always been loving, gentle and trusting. He's an absolute joy. When I first brought him home he was still a very poorly dog, which was upsetting to see. There was no muscle, it was just bone.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

"He didn't want to go out in the garden without me. I think he was terrified of being locked out in the cold again. I think he must have been shut in a yard and left outside alone in the past.

"Now, four years later, he is like a totally different dog. He is a real gentleman.

"He's so well mannered. He never asks for anything. He never complains. It is because of Battersea that he got his second chance at life."

Wendy is now urging people to consider donating to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, which you can do here.

The specialist centre cared for more than 7,000 animals last year, with 16 new animals arriving at one of its three locations every single day.

You can find out more about the work Battersea Dogs and Cats Home does here.

Topics: UK, Animals

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19