Bluebell

The dog who still trusted people

When Bluebell was found wandering along a rural road in March, she was so weak that she had to be carried into Bath Cats and Dogs Home.

The five-year-old Cocker Spaniel had a body condition score of just 1 out of 9. Her pelvic bones protruded, every vertebra could be felt beneath her skin and blood tests showed anaemia and the effects of severe malnutrition.

Her ears and all four feet were painfully infected. Fleas and ticks covered her body, while scars marked her face and nose. Around her neck was a deep, infected wound, including a six-centimetre laceration that appeared to have been there for some time. The injury suggested she may once have been tied up.

Our veterinary team cleaned and bandaged her wounds, gave her a deep, soft bed and began feeding her little and often. For the first two weeks, her neck had to be bathed and redressed every day. Altogether, Bluebell needed around £700 of treatment.

Her docked tail, non-UK microchip and the changes to her body showed that she had previously been used for breeding. Yet after all she had endured, Bluebell still sought out people. She still wanted a gentle hand, a kind voice and the reassurance that someone was close.

As she recovered, her loving personality began to emerge. Our Behaviour team also helped us understand that she felt anxious around other dogs and would need a home where her boundaries were respected.

In June, Bluebell was adopted by someone who had previously given one of our animals a home. After her first weekend, they told us: “She has made herself at home and seems to be loving life.” She had already welcomed visitors by rolling over for belly rubs.

Bluebell arrived with an empty stomach, painful wounds and no one beside her. She now has soft beds, full bowls and a family who will never abandon her. The most remarkable thing is that, somehow, she never stopped believing people could be kind.