Zelda

From rescue to royalty: Zelda’s journey to a new beginning

When Zelda - originally named Buttercup - was rescued by the RSPCA in January 2024, she was far from the happy, healthy dog she was meant to be. Found living in a concrete pen outside, she was emaciated, covered in pressure sores and suffering from a severe skin infection. Despite this, Zelda’s gentle nature shone through, and from the moment she arrived at the BCDH, it was clear she had the potential for a brighter future.

A Rough Start: The Challenges Zelda Faced
Upon her arrival at the BCDH, Zelda weighed just 15.8kg*. Her body was weak and she struggled to move, with minimal muscle mass and painful pressure sores on her hocks. Her skin was in poor condition, thickened and hairless in places, and she had dirty ears and signs of regurgitation after drinking. It was clear she had endured months, if not years, of neglect. Despite these difficulties, Zelda remained calm and resilient, displaying a quiet strength that would carry her through her recovery.

* A healthy female British Bulldog should weigh between 18.1 and 20 kg

Veterinary Care: A Path to Healing
Zelda’s veterinary team quickly began working to restore her health. She received medicated baths by the animal care team, parasite treatments and a special nutritional plan to help her regain weight and strength. A soft palate issue was noted, causing some breathing difficulties, but it was not severe enough to require surgery. Over the next few months, Zelda’s condition improved steadily. Her coat began to regrow, and she gained weight, reaching 16.3kg by February. With the help of allergy medication, her skin improved further, and her energy levels gradually increased, allowing her to become more playful and confident.

Foster Care: Finding Her Place in the World
In mid-February, Zelda moved into foster care, where she began to truly thrive. At first, she was nervous and shy, unfamiliar with household life and all the sounds and sights that come with it. But in her foster home, Zelda began to blossom. She worked on her housetraining, learned how to live indoors and slowly grew more comfortable with her new surroundings. Zelda was affectionate and gentle and her foster family supported her every step of the way, patiently helping her build confidence in the safety of her new home.

A New Beginning: Zelda Finds Her Forever Home
In April 2024, Zelda found her forever home with a family who instantly fell in love with her. They were ready to give her the peaceful, loving life she deserved. Now named Zelda - a name that symbolises strength through hardship, nobility and a new beginning - she truly lives up to her name. Zelda is now a cherished member of the family, particularly adored by her new owners' daughters, who love spending time with her. Though she’s still not fond of long walks, Zelda is enjoying her new life, especially the freedom of her garden, where she made herself a cosy den in the bushes.

Zelda’s transformation from a neglected, malnourished dog to a healthy, much-loved family companion highlights the power of patience, care and love. Her story is a beautiful reminder that every rescue animal deserves a chance to thrive, and no matter how difficult the beginning, a happy ending is always possible. Zelda’s journey - from hardship to happiness - is a testament to the strength of the animals we care for and to the difference a loving home can make.

Looking to adopt?

If you’re thinking of rehoming a rescue pet, like Zelda, and would like to find out more about our adoption process at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, please click here.