A police officer who found a 5-month old Yorkshire Terrier puppy dumped in a cardboard box has adopted her from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
PD John stumbled across a scared looking Penny while on patrol in a block of North London flats and after asking around the local resident, who knew nothing about poo Penny, it was clear that she had been abandoned.
Penny was taken to Battersea covered in fleas, dirt and her own faeces. She was so small in frame and weight that staff at the charity initially thought her to be around eight weeks old.
However, upon closer inspection from a vet, the Yorkshire Terrier was actually found to be around five-months old.
Judging from the condition that Penny was in when she arrived at Battersea, it’s unlikely that she had ever seen a vet in her lifetime.
Thankfully, after receiving some much-needed care from the charity, Penny was soon ready to go to a new home. During this time, PC John hadn’t forgotten about the scruffy Penny he’d picked up and got in touch to rehome her.
PC John said: “After finding Penny, I told my wife all about her and how despite all that she must’ve been through, she still had the loveliest and trusting temperament. I felt a sense of responsibility, so made the decision to bring her home and make her part of our family.”
Penny has settled in at home with John, his wife and their two dogs, Toby and Charlie in South East London. She has come a long way from the unkempt puppy found abandoned in a box and is healthier and happier than ever with her new family.
John continues: “Penny has been an absolute joy to have at home: she gets on well with Toby and Charlie, and her puppy energy makes us laugh every day. We’re so happy to have found her.”
Steve Craddock, Centre Manager at Battersea, said: “It’s so lovely to see that Penny has been rehomed to John, who found her while he was on duty and that she’s settled right in with her new family.
“Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for rescue centres to take in abandoned young dogs who are often found in unfortunate circumstances, just like Penny. I’d urge anyone who needs to give up a dog of any age to take them to a rescue centre; this way you’re finding the best possible solution for their health and future.”
If you’re interested in adopting a dog, or have a pet you need to bring into rescue, you can visit www.battersea.org.uk.
