Heartbreaking stories of abandoned dog and ‘frightened’ pup spending Christmas in kennels

Dina and Simba are among record numbers of dogs in RSPCA care this Christmas across Teesside and County Durham, following an alarming surge in cruelty, neglect and abandonment cases

An abandoned dog and a pup frightened by ordinary sounds – these are merely two of the devastating tales of dogs facing Christmas in North East kennels.

This comes as animal welfare organisation RSPCA faces unprecedented numbers of animals in its care, amid a shocking rise in cases of cruelty, neglect, and abandonment. Glenn Mayoll, operations manager for the RSPCA, revealed the charity was caring for 1,646 dogs in July this year – a record high and more than twice the figure from July 2020.

Taking on a pet represents a significant responsibility, making thorough research essential before welcoming an animal into your life. Evaluating your present circumstances and potential future changes can help determine whether you’re able to offer a pet a stable home, reports Chronicle Live.

Those capable of making such a commitment can expect a lifetime of devotion in return. Earlier this year, Chronicle Live covered how Katie Arrowsmith, whose feline companion passed away at the beginning of the year, journeyed 200 miles from her Edinburgh residence to adopt two cats rescued by the RSPCA after being discovered at “death’s door” in a Blyth backyard, having been “thrown out with the rubbish”.

Both cats made excellent recoveries and swiftly adapted to their affectionate new households. It’s precisely these kinds of happy endings that the RSPCA hopes to achieve for dogs Dina and Simba, who will be spending Christmas in kennels this year.

‘Happy go lucky’Dina

Dina, a two-year-old Pocket Bully, is described as a placid soul who is sound sensitive as she finds loud noises upsetting – however thanks to the incredible work of the team at RSPCA Felledge in County Durham she has come on leaps and bounds. Everyday noises used to worry her, but the team, including behaviourists, worked with her to overcome this fear and she is also on behaviour medication which helps with her sound sensitivities.

Dina has been in RSPCA care since she was just a pup – but could not be rehomed until a legal case had concluded. Growing up in kennels has meant Dina hasn’t been able to experience everyday situations like other dogs in homes – but staff say she is growing in confidence every day – if she is given time and patience to take things at her own pace.

Luka Atkinson, Deputy Manager at Felledge said: “We are so proud of Dina. She’s made such amazing progress with her sound sensitivity and we know that with the right owners she will continue to thrive. The team has done so much with her to help her overcome her sensitivities.

“She would find so many everyday noises concerning and would react by just shutting down, freezing with her tummy flat on the floor and not wanting to move. But through time, patience, positive reinforcement and enrichment she has progressed so well – we are so very proud of her.

“Little by little she has really improved – and the team said one of the best moments was when she went out for a walk and didn’t worry at all – she was just happy to sniff and enjoy the walk with her companion. She is such a sweet, happy go lucky and friendly dog and she gets on well with other dogs at the centre.

“We are looking for a new home for Dina in a quiet area, where she will have access to quieter walking locations.

“Due to Dina’s behaviour needs, she will need multiple visits on site to help build her confidence with her adopters before she can transition into her new home. We are ideally looking for adopters for Dina who have had experience of the breed or similar breeds, and she would be best suited to a quiet adult-only household.”

To find out more about Dina please visit her find a pet page for more information.

Simba who was rescued from life in a small cage

Sweet Simba, who is only two and half years old, was rescued by the RSPCA last December after he was abandoned in a flat in Teesside. He was found inside a misshapen metal dog crate, too small for him to fully stand up, and all that was inside it was a dirty blanket covered in dog mess and an empty dog bowl.

The 18-month-old pup was rescued by the RSPCA and taken to RSPCA Great Ayton Animal Centre, near Middlesbrough – where the dedicated team worked to rehabilitate and nurse him back to health.

However his road to recovery has been long, through no fault of his own as he needed months of behavioural work, using praise and positive reinforcement to help him trust and feel confident, he’s put behind the trauma he suffered and is looking for a loving forever home.

Simba also needed to have two operations to his tail due to excessive tail-wagging. Magda Jelinska, a behaviour and welfare advisor at the centre has been working with Simba since he arrived.

She said: “I am so proud of Simba and how far he has come. But sadly his story is not unique – here at the RSPCA we deal with hundreds of dogs every year who need our help because of the trauma they have experienced in their past.

“Simba is a shining example of why we need to give animals a second chance and also highlights that sometimes there isn’t a quick fix. I just don’t think people realise how much love, time and effort goes into rehabilitating every animal in our care.”

Simba proved to be a model patient – and a great learner – and despite all the odds being stacked against him – he is now looking for the perfect family to call his own.

To find out more about rehoming Simba please visit his find a pet page.

Rehabilitation can take weeks, months and even years to get animals ready for life in a home, which is why an incredible donation of £1 million pounds from Omaze is critical in helping these survivor animals heal. Omaze has partnered with the RSPCA for their latest Million Pound House Draw, Lake District and the money to support the RSPCA’s vital rehabilitation work for rescue animals.

Mr Mayoll said: “There has been an epidemic of cruelty, abandonment and neglect cases this year and the RSPCA has rescued hundreds of animals from some of the worst situations imaginable.

“Several large scale cruelty and neglect cases resulted in the animal welfare charity caring for a record number of dogs. In July the RSPCA had 1,646 dogs in its care – the highest number on record and more than double the number from July 2020.

“But rescuing these pets from their plight is only the first step of the animal’s long journey to recovery as most will require specialised care and attention to recover from cruelty, neglect, abuse and injury. Hours upon hours of dedication, hard work and compassion goes into bringing animals back from the brink.

“Rehabilitating these animals requires lots of time, love, expertise and of course money which is why we are so grateful to Omaze who have partnered with the RSPCA for their latest Million Pound House Draw, Lake District and the money is to support the RSPCA’s vital rehabilitation work for rescue animals.

“This money couldn’t come at a more needed time which is why we have put out an urgent plea to rehome those who have endured so much and who we would love to see settled in a new home.”

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