A distressed dog on the brink of death and described by his rescuers as “a walking skeleton” has been given a second chance at life and is now living his best life at a loving new home in England.
On April 20, 2023, the dog—now named Luca—was found by PCs Malloy, Gillott, and Goodwin, of the South Yorkshire Police, tied to a lamppost and freezing in the cold.
“They needed to act fast to save his life,” PC Mark Winter from Barnsley said according to a press release from the RSPCA.
Luca was rushed to a veterinarian and was given steroids, antibiotics, and pain relief. After receiving this initial treatment, the frightened dog, who had lost 98 percent of his fur due to an untreated skin condition, was sent to the police station.
“I turned up at the office with my own dog’s fluffy bed, a warm blanket, and dog food,” PC Winter said. “His eyes told a story of a life of nothing but neglect and cruelty, and as I placed him on the bed and wrapped him up, he curled up and almost smiled. He had clearly never known such comfort.”
PC Winter stayed with Luca until RSPCA inspector Ben Cottle-Shaw arrived to pick him up.
“I will never forget the way that Luca looked back at me after we handed him over to the RSPCA, as if to say thank you,” PC Winter said.
Mr. Cottle-Shaw said Luca was the “thinnest dog” he'd come across during his 16-year career.
“I could tell by his demeanor and look in his eyes, Luca had given up on life as he was so broken and withdrawn,” Mr. Cottle-Shaw said. “It was heartbreaking to see.”
However, Luca’s life would soon take a turn for the better.
“I rushed him for veterinary treatment and was worried he might not even make the short journey for emergency treatment,” Mr. Cottle-Shaw said.
Despite being starved and suffering from a horrific case of sarcoptic mange, he was friendly towards the vet staff.
Luca’s untreated skin condition left him constantly scratching and almost bald. He was found to have a broken tailbone with an open wound.
A few weeks into his rehabilitation, Luca’s skin had improved, and he'd gained a healthy amount of weight. Not long after, he was put up for adoption, and an elderly couple with generous hearts—David and Gillian Hagan—welcomed Luca into their home.
“We saw he was looking for a home, and he just seemed such a sweetheart we couldn’t wait to meet him,” Mr. Hagan said. “We found the pictures of him when he was found so very hard to look at. Luca now has a beautiful, shiny coat and has increased his weight.”
Today, Luca enjoys running. He also likes spending time with the Hagans and their granddaughter, Freya Blenkiron. With his life having made a 180-degree turn, he’s now basking in the love of his new family.
PC Winter was glad to hear of the happy ending Luca received.
“He will always hold a special place in our hearts and office,“ he said. ”A photo of him, now looking healthy and happy, is on our wall.”
Since the identity of Luca’s previous owner is still unknown, the RSPCA is interested in hearing from anyone who might have information about who abandoned Luca.
