A terrified, bald puppy heartbreakingly abandoned has had an amazing makeover.
Perla – a young Cane Corso – was suffering a severe skin condition which had caused her fur to fall out.
She was found running loose by a canal.
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The poor pooch was picked up by a concerned member of the public in Oldham, Lancs, who alerted authorities.
Stunned RSPCA staff then transferred the poorly animal to Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home where the team there named her Perla.
The puppy, who was just four-months-old, received extensive veterinary care including treatment for an eye condition called bilateral entropion.
And was then moved to the Southport, Ormskirk and District branch to continue her recovery with medicated baths and antibiotics to treat her damaged skin.
Amazingly she was then spotted on the branch’s website by Sandra Hallows, who lives near Warrington, Cheshire, who took an instant shine to her.
“Two-and-a-half years ago we adopted Nova, a Staffy crossed with a Cane Corso.
“We really liked her temperament so we decided to look for another dog to join her,” Sandra told, NeedToKnow.
“We like big dogs, and we have always had rescues so when we saw Perla on the rehoming centre’s website it really was love at first sight.
“We completed the adoption process and she came to live with us in November.
“She’s settled in really well and is so relaxed here.
“Even though she’s a tall dog she’s still a little bit under developed, so we’re making sure she has plenty of TLC, good food and exercise.
“There are still some patches of scarring where the fur hasn’t grown back but Perla has shown such resilience and has so much love to give.
“I don’t know how anyone could have abandoned her in that state but we feel incredibly lucky to have her.”
RSPCA Inspector Jess Pierce, who investigated the case, said: “It was heartbreaking to see a puppy abandoned in such an appalling condition.
“Perla’s head and front legs were bald and bleeding and she was covered in painful sores and scabs where she’d been constantly itching and scratching herself.
“Demodex mange was diagnosed by the vet, which is treatable, but it can take a long time for dogs to recover because it affects their immune system.
“It was one of the worst cases I have ever seen, particularly in a dog as young as Perla.
“When I saw the pictures of how she looks today I couldn’t quite believe it was her at first.
“I’m so pleased she’s got a lovely new home for Christmas with Sandra and her family and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped with Perla’s rescue and recovery.”
Local CCTV was checked and enquiries were carried out by the RSPCA but despite an appeal the person responsible for abandoning her was not traced.
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