A sweet dog who was abandoned in 'distress and pain' has moved on from her traumatic past and is almost ready to find a forever home. Meena the beautiful Saluki cross arrived at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre after RSPCA inspectors found her in an incredibly sad state.
Meena was unable to walk normally and hobbled around on three legs, but thankfully the veterinary team got to work right away and helped her learn to walk properly once again. Senior animal behaviourist, Zita Polgar, told the Mirror: "When Meena arrived it was very clear that she wasn't in a good way."
"She was hopping around on three legs, she couldn't put any weight on her fourth leg, it was held at a very strange angle."
The welfare team at Bristol rescue were patient and consistent with Meena's care, adjusting how they'd usually do exercise and enrichment.
"Meena has always been a very sweet natured dog, she's very warm and friendly with people and very good with all of her vet handling and physio," Zita said.
"It's nice to see a dog that's so calm and affectionate. Now that she's feeling a bit better we are starting to see her cheeky personality, she definitely wants to be more active and playful, which is lovely for us all to see."
Meena remains at Bristol rescue and is making a great recovery - she will be rehomed once her treatment is complete over the coming weeks.
Vet Dr Damian Pacini said: "For many of these animals like Meena who have chronic painful conditions, if they don't have a place to go to then it's hard to know what would become of them.
"Many of these conditions that we treat if left will become very painful and the animals would have a pretty miserable life.
"That's why Bristol Animal Rescue Centre exists. We're here to treat these animals when they're at their worst and, hopefully, give them a second chance at a happy life."
The animal charity "makes sure no animal gets left behind" and offers free or low cost access to vet care for low income pet owners.
As the cost of living crisis continues to rise, the shelter's demand for services and bills are increasing too.
It's estimated their energy bills will go up by £17,000 this year - and need all the help they can get.
Damian said: "We know that the pressure is on all of us this year and you're probably feeling the pinch too.
"But we're asking all our supporters to give what they can to help us make sure that animals like Meena, who are stuck in the middle of all this turmoil, don't get forgotten this winter."
If you'd like to donate to their Christmas appeal to help dogs like Meena, you can visit their website online.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
