An adorable dog has been found dumped in a crate with a heartbreaking note from its owner.
The Staffordshire bull terrier cross, named Spud, was found by a member of the public in a field.
A handwritten note said he wouldn’t walk on a lead or go downstairs and hadn’t been out of the house for a year.
The owner said the pooch was a “really loving house dog” but they were not able to “give him the life he deserves,” and had been trying to rehome him without success for weeks.
They added that they were “sorry for resorting to this”.
The mutt was taken to Jackson’s Animal Rescue where he was found to have long claws that were growing into his pads.
He was also suffering from fur loss.
The dog was found in the Wirral, Merseyside.
Spud was taken to the RSPCA’S Greater Manchester Animal Hospital by Animal Rescue Officer Lucy Welch.
He was microchipped but the number didn’t work, as reported by Need To Know.
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.
“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.”
Spud, who is thought to be four or five years old, was found on 29 July.
He is now being fostered by a vet.
Data from the RSPCA’S Animal Kindness Index, amid the ongoing cost of living crisis reveals more than half of pet owners – 52% – are worried about being able to afford vet bills.
Lucy added: “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.”
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