(Sandra Hallows / RSPCA via SWNS)
By Adam Dutton
A terrified puppy who was abandoned with bald and bleeding skin has had an amazing transformation and has found her forever home.
The poorly pooch, aged between 14 and 16 weeks, was found wandering near a freezing canal last January.
A dog warden collected the pup from near Chadderton Hall Park in Oldham, Greater Manchester.
Vets were shocked to discover the young Cane Corso was suffering from a severe skin condition which left her looking disfigured.
Rescuers named the puppy Perla and she was transferred to the RSPCA's Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.
(RSPCA via SWNS)
After months of intensive treatment, she has finally been adopted by a dog lover Sandra Hollows.
Remarkable before-and-after pictures show just how poorly Perla was before being rescued.
Sandra, of Warrington, said: “She's settled in really well and is so relaxed here.
"There are still some patches of scarring where the fur hasn't grown back but Perla has shown such resilience and has so much love to give.
“I don't know how anyone could have abandoned her in that state but we feel incredibly lucky to have her."
RSPCA Inspector Jess Pierce, who investigated the case, said: "It was heartbreaking to see a puppy abandoned in such an appalling condition.
Other animals were rescued by the RSPCA. (RSPCA via SWNS)
"Perla's head and front legs were bald and bleeding and she was covered in painful sores and scabs where she'd been constantly itching and scratching herself.
"Demodex mange was diagnosed by the vet, which is treatable, but it can take a long time for dogs to recover because it affects their immune system.
"It was one of the worst cases I have ever seen, particularly in a dog as young as Perla.
"When I saw the pictures of how she looks today, I couldn't quite believe it was her at first.”
Another dumped dog which had such bad scabs she looked like she had been “dipped in concrete” has also made a miraculous recovery.
Lola was in such a terrible state that when an RSPCA rescuer first saw her she had no idea what breed of dog she was.
(RSPCA via SWNS)
The Japanese Akita was found living in appalling conditions in a house in Durham in January 2024.
She needed eight days of medicated baths under sedation at the vet due to the intense pain and soreness of her skin.
She was moved to the RSPCA’s Felledge Animal Centre for ongoing care and has now been successfully rehomed.
Her new owner, Alison Ranger, 65, said: “I just felt it was meant to be when I saw Lola was still available after six months at the center.
“Despite an initially aloof nature, Lola soon came out of her shell, embracing affection, treats, and walks.
(RSPCA via SWNS)
"She has brought so much joy to our lives. She is perfect and fits into our life so well.”
Other heartwarming rescues include Nellie, a young Staffordshire bull terrier cross, who was dumped with fly-tipped rubbish in Birmingham.
Due to her friendly demeanor, her rescuers named her Merry and she was adopted by a family in Redditch, Worcs.
Rescuers have also found a loving forever home for tabby cat Boris.
The three-and-a-half-year-old was suffering from injuries to his nose and had an infected eye.
Despite his injuries causing his face to become misshapen, he was adopted by an animal-loving couple.
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