Seven dogs with Disney-themed names which were found dumped inside cat carriers at a park are now enjoying a happy ending after finding new loving homes. Moana, Tinkerbell, Ariel, Arthur, Belle, Tarzan and Jasmine were discovered by a member of the public crammed into tiny cages by a pond in Southampton.
Five of the poor pooches were stuffed inside two cat carriers while another pair were confined to a small wire crate without access to food or water. The frightened dogs were taken into the care of the Blue Cross animal charity's rehoming centre in Southampton. Some of them required veterinary treatment for various conditions, such as itchy and poor coats before they began their rehabilitation.
Animal Welfare Assistant Caroline Oram said: “When Moana and Tinkerbell first arrived in our care it was clear that they had been through so much.
“They were so scared that they were trembling. We’d go to their kennel, and they’d huddle at the back and bark. We had no idea what kind of life they had before to understand their needs."
Moana, a Yorkshire terrier and dachshund cross, was suffering with some hair loss, likely related to stress.
Caroline added: "Moana especially is very nervous, and Tinkerbell gives her confidence. So, when they were meeting people Tinkerbell would always go first. We wanted to get them into foster care as soon as possible, as they had been through so much."
Tarzan, Jasmine, Ariel, Moana and Tinkerbell all went into foster care while Arthur and Belle stayed at the Blue Cross centre to help them overcome their fears. The charity was unable to trace their owner as they were not microchipped so went about trying to find them new homes.
After nearly a month in Blue Cross care, all seven dogs have found new homes in Worcestershire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire
Caroline added: “The difference in them is amazing. Their coats are better, Moana’s fur is growing back and she’s more confident now in meeting people. They’re thriving now.”
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