A little dog who had never worn a collar or been groomed is now a prize-winning pooch who is doted on by his new family, after being rescued by the RSPCA.
Two-year-old Nero arrived in the RSPCA’s care in January – just a few weeks after Christmas – having been signed over by his previous owner who was struggling to cope.
The team at the Leeds, Wakefield & District Branch, in West Yorkshire, took him in.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Hannah Williams, who rescued him, said: “Nero had been living with a large number of dogs and was very stressed by the environment.
“When he arrived here approximately 80% of his coat was matted and he had a large build-up of poo clumped into balls of fur. He’d not been groomed for a long time so we had to cut and shave a lot of his coat to free him of painful tangles.
“He’d had little exposure to the outside world and was completely overwhelmed and terrified by most things, including cars, roads, and other outdoor sounds. He had never worn a harness or a collar so we don’t believe he’d ever been out for a walk.”
The RSPCA Leeds & Wakefield team set about introducing Pomeranian Nero to new sights and sounds; they taught him to wear a collar and walk on a lead, and also showed him that getting in the car was fun.
Animal Care Manager Meggan Rattray said: “When Nero first arrived he was so frightened and a bit frantic – you could see the stress on his face and how he didn’t understand what was going on.
“He was a ball of matted fur and quite smelly, it must have been so painful for him.
“It took some time but he soon settled into a routine with us and started to trust us more.
“Due to the condition of his matted fur which was twisting and pulling on his skin and making it sore so we requested our vet sedate him so we could shave his fur off safely and with as little discomfort as possible.
“Once the matted fur was taken off, Nero was like a completely different dog! He was full of energy and was incredibly affectionate with everyone he met; he certainly loved to give us all kisses!”
Nero’s new best friend
Cheryl Kelly had been thinking about getting a dog for company for some time when she spotted Nero’s face on the RSPCA’s Find A Pet search.
She said: “I felt there was something missing from our home and I’d wanted a little dog to keep me company for some time but I’d had a bad hip which had affected my mobility so I didn’t think it was fair to take on a dog.
“After I had my hip replacement and could get out more I knew I needed a little best friend to come out with me.
“When I saw his little face online I instantly fell in love with him. I applied but didn’t think I stood a chance so when the team called and asked me to go and meet him I was over the moon. He covered me in licks as soon as we met and I knew he was the one for us.”
Now Nero lives in Lancashire with Cheryl, her partner and her son.
Cheryl added: “Nero is doing really well, he’s got lots of doggy friends and loves to run around our garden playing with his ball. He loves going in the car and gets so excited to visit new places and meet other dogs.
“He’s had a little pamper day and we’ve even taken him to a few local dog shows where he’s won rosettes and medals! Recently he got second place in the best rescue class – although he’s always the winner in our eyes.
“He comes everywhere with me, even to Slimming World. He loves meeting everyone and always showers them in wags and licks.”
Join the Christmas Rescue
This Christmas should be a happy time for all, including the animals who share our lives. Cats will spend long winter nights curled up by our side. Dogs will play with wrapping paper. Some animals will even receive their own special Christmas presents.
But without urgent action, not every animal will be as lucky. While the nation prepares to celebrate Christmas, far too many animals are being left to suffer. Puppies are starving behind closed doors. Cats are being left with no one to care for them.
Can it really be a happy Christmas when so many animals are still suffering?
Right now, too many animals are facing the worst times of their lives. Over the Christmas period, we receive over 25,000 reports of animal suffering – including more than 700 on Christmas Day. That’s why we can’t stop for Christmas. As long as any animal is suffering, we will keep going to reach and rescue them.
We must work together to make it a happy Christmas for every kind. We’re calling on everyone who believes that no animal should be left to suffer this Christmas to donate today.
Together with you, our animal rescue teams will bring animals to the safety and warmth of RSPCA Animal Centres. You’ll be supporting our veterinary teams, working tirelessly to give animals the urgent treatment that will save their lives. And you’ll be by the side of expert centre staff who give animals the loving care they need to recover.
So please, join the Christmas Rescue and together we will bring joy and safety to animals. For thousands of terrified and injured animals, we’ll turn the worst suffering into the best Christmas yet – because it will be the one where their lives change forever, and the start of many happier Christmases to come.
Join the Christmas Rescue by donating online rspca.org.uk/jointherescue.
