Niall’s story: An upsetting number of welfare cases

Every year, we treat a number of upsetting welfare cases of animals who come to us in bad condition due to neglect or abandonment. Summer’s story of mistreatment and recovery has featured heavily across our Winter Appeal, but she’s far from the only animal we’ve helped.  

Animals like Summer, Juno, and Niall all need extra care and attention to heal their wounds, regain their strength and rebuild their confidence. This level of care isn’t cheap, and it’s thanks to the support of our community that dogs like Niall get the second chance they deserve.  

Niall is a 2-year-old Doberman cross who has come a long way from the terrified, skinny boy we first met.  

We carefully cleaned the dried paint from his fur, treated his wounds, and put him on a specialised diet to help him safely regain weight. Slowly but surely, he grew stronger and started to find joy in life again.  

Dog trainer, Vicky, tells us, ‘Niall loves running and sniffing around the paddocks and playing with squeaky toys. He especially loves to roll about on the grass.’ 

He’s come so far from the dog we first met, but Niall still feels the effects of his neglect.  

‘Niall doesn’t like to be left; he gets very worried. He’ll need an understanding owner who’s had experience with large, nervous dogs before and is willing to take time to build his confidence. Once he gets to know you, he’s super affectionate and loves attention.’ 

Niall’s still looking for his forever family. 

Bonnie and Coco arrived in our care timid, scared and frighteningly underweight.

Like Niall, Bonnie and Coco came to us in a very upsetting condition. These miniature pinschers were both incredibly hungry and had to be fed small amounts of special diet food slowly.  

We were especially worried about Coco, whose poor condition was quite alarming. When a dog is as underweight and malnourished as Coco was, we have to be very careful about their diet and eating to avoid further complications. 

They were settled into one of our special care units and received all the tender care and treatment they needed to grow stronger.  

Animal Welfare Operations Manager, Wendy, said: ‘Coco turned into a noisy, chatty boy, who loves attention and can be a bit dramatic. He puts a smile on your face every day. Bonnie is a bit more independent, but cuddly and just as funny.  

It’s been amazing to see the transformation in them both, but especially Coco. I was concerned he may struggle, but he’s a little trouper!’ 

Both Bonnie and Coco made fantastic recoveries and found happy homes earlier this year. 

Bonnie, Coco and Niall all experienced a level of neglect and suffering that no animal should. They’re not the only ones. 

We see an upsetting number of admissions just like this every year. It’s thanks to the generous support of our community that we’re able to give these animals the care they deserve.  

We can’t thank you enough for helping pets like these not only recover but thrive in new loving homes.