Two tiny puppies have been found abandoned at the top of a mountain in Wales. The Patterdale terriers, who are thought to be only a few months old, would have likely died if it weren't for a passing hiker spotting them.
The sweet pair, now named Bertie and Greta, were "very frightened", covered in fleas and had dirty, matted coats. Since their rescue from Llanwonno mountain in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the pups are now being cared for by fosterers at Hope Rescue, who suspect they were deliberately dumped.
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A Facebook post shared by the charity reads: "We were very concerned about how the poor little souls had ended up in such a precarious place.
"The terrain of the mountain means it would have been impossible for them to walk there, so we can only assume they were deliberately abandoned.
"We have no idea how long they had been left there, but fortunately they were found by a member of the public or it could have been a very different outcome for them."
The animal welfare team immediately got to work nursing the puppies back to health.
They were taken to a foster home where they "could be given the care and attention they so desperately needed".
The post continued: "Sadly, we believe that Bertie and Greta are likely the latest victims of a growing 'fake stray' epidemic, as owners deliberately abandon their pets rather than reaching out to a rescue for help.
"We're facing a welfare crisis, but as always, our team will pull out all the stops and continue to ensure our dogs receive the very best care whatever the cost."
Hope Rescue has since launched a fundraiser to appeal for donations towards Bertie and Greta's care, and help continue saving neglected dogs like them. You can donate online here.
Another neglected dog who was "hours away from death" has been adopted by the RSPCA veterinary nurse who saved his life.
Seb the 11-year-old collie was among a number of animals, including two other dogs, discovered by a member of the public when his elderly owner died.
Animal welfare officer Ruth Thomas-Coxon was sent to collect the pets in the Stockton-on-Tees area and signed them all over to the charity in February.
Poor Seb was found in a poor and emaciated condition with extremely matted fur and dangerously protruding bones and ribs.
The rough-haired collie was nursed back to health by veterinary nurse Nicole Burn, 28, at Stanhope Park Vets in Darlington, and later found a forever home with her.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
