A young dog is set to celebrate her first Christmas after fighting against the odds to survive a deathly infection, thanks to the help of Battersea, and some moral encouragement from the charity’s much-loved ambassador, Paul O’Grady.
Lyra and her sister Lucy, both Husky crosses, had been found as strays when they were both small puppies and prior to arriving at Battersea had been treated for parvovirus; a highly contagious and potentially fatal infection, that is easily preventable if a puppy is vaccinated.
While Lucy went from strength to strength and quickly found a new home, Battersea’s expert clinic staff were concerned that Lyra wasn’t recovering as well. Lethargic, severely underweight and at times refusing her food, staff at the leading animal welfare charity feared for Lyra’s future.
However, after undergoing multiple tests, medical treatments and receiving plenty of love and affection from Paul O’Grady and Battersea staff, Lyra’s fighting spirit finally came through. Regaining her appetite, energy and some much-needed weight, she was finally starting to live the life that every young dog deserves.
A Battersea vet said: “Lyra went through so much, and while she was weak and suffering from the aftereffects of having parvovirus, we were all very worried about her future. However, thanks to the hard work of the clinic team here at Battersea, Lyra fought against the odds, recovered from the complications of Parvovirus and is growing into a happy and healthy young dog! Dogs like Lyra prove that while rescue animals aren’t always perfect, they are certainly worth it and have so much life to live.”
To mark her new found health, Lyra attended an event at Clarence House hosted by Battersea’s Royal Patron, Her Majesty The Queen Consort, then HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Battersea being there for dogs and cats in need of help.
After over 30 eventful days in Battersea’s care, Lyra found a new, loving home with Chloe Davis and her partner in North London, where she is now set to enjoy her first Christmas – something that at one point Battersea staff worried might never be possible.
Chloe said: “When we first met Lyra it was love at first sight but knowing that she has experienced so much in her little life, from battling a deathly illness to attending a party at a palace, makes her extra special. She has really bought us together as a family, and as much as we rescued her, it feels as though she has rescued us right back. She is truly one in a million!
“Knowing that Lyra missed out on having a fun puppyhood, means that we are determined to give her the best possible first Christmas- she really is the Queen of our hearts!”
Lyra’s story is featured on Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs- A Royal Special, which airs on Monday 19 December at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
