A severely emaciated puppy that was dumped in the snow and tied to the gates of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has made a full recovery from her harrowing ordeal.
Young lurcher Twinkle, who was starved to within an inch of her life, was tied to the charity's gate on one of the coldest nights of the year and left alone by her callous owner.
The terrified pup was so weak that she collapsed after being untied and had to be carried into a kennel where she was given warm bedding, food and water.
Twinkle was so emaciated she had to have urgent medical attention and was given round the clock care.
But after two months of devoted attention and treatment, she has gone from strength to strength and was even fostered by one of the nurses who helped her on the he road to recovery (below).
Shaun Opperman, head veterinary surgeon at the charity for 20 years, said Twinkle was one of the most severe cases of neglect they had ever seen.
Richard King, also from the Dogs Home, added: "It saddens me to see dogs like Twinkle and I struggle to comprehend what this dog could have possibly done that caused someone to inflict such cruelty and neglect.
"I will never forget the first time I met her – her eyes were so full of life and even though she was weak and tired, she still managed to wag her tail when I knelt down beside her."
Twinkle's touching story and remarkable recovery can be seen this evening on the Bafta-nominated ITV series Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.
Animal-lover Paul O’Grady (below) met the young lurcher while he was filming for the show, and was particularly moved by her story.
He says: "I’ve never seen anything like it. She was in a dreadful state and as thin as a credit card.
"She’s lovely, such a sweetheart.
"What you find with these abused dogs is they are so friendly, after what humans have done to them you’d think they’d shy away but they don’t.
"It breaks your heart."
Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs will be broadcast this evening (Thursday June, 6) at 8.30pm on ITV.
If you can give a second chance to a Battersea dog or cat contact 01474 874994 or visit battersea.org.uk.
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