Vets rescue 'thinnest' abandoned dog

A dog found in a cardboard box at the side of the road is slowly making a recovery in the hands of the RSPCA.

Weighing just 8kg, a vet described the female Staffordshire cross - believed to be between one and two years old - as the "thinnest she had ever seen alive". The normal expected healthy weight for a canine of this breed is 16kg.

Vet Anna Parry, who is caring for Hope - the name given to the dog by staff at the RSPCA centre in Weston-Super-Mare - said: "When she first arrived we had to wrap her in blankets and bubble wrap just to keep her warm as she could not maintain her temperature and although she is now off the drip and much more responsive she still has a long way to go."

Hope was found by a man close to a burger van at the side on the A370 near Hewish on May 16.

She was taken to the Bridge Veterinary Practice where nurses took it in turns to take care of her throughout the night. After a few days of being drip-fed she is showing steady signs of improvement, beginning to slowly eat and drink for herself.

It is important to remember that owning a pet is a full-time commitment. Taking out pet insurance can help cover unexpected vet bills, potentially preventing animals being abandoned over escalating care costs.

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