The tiny terrier was only five weeks old and weighed less than a bag of sugar when he was cruelly abandoned with no food, water or blanket to keep warm. Miraculously, he was rescued shivering and frightened as well as suffering from an onslaught of puppy problems with only moments to spare before succumbing to the cold. Now the fun-loving dog has come through his ordeal and is ready to become the perfect pet.
Dogs Trust today released a series of images to show how Hockney, named in honour of Britain’s greatest living artist, is something of a masterpiece after being gently nursed back to health.
When the puppy with its distinctive pink nose was found abandoned in a field on the outskirts of Castleford, West Yorkshire, last month, he was suffering from mange, a horrible condition that made his fur fall out, as well as being riddled with worms. He weighed less than a kilogram and should never have been separated from his mother, let alone dumped in a cardboard box and left to the elements. It was only by chance that a passerby spotted the box and saved Hockney from certain death.
Having been nursed back to health by Dog Trust’s staff at the charity’s rehoming centre in Leeds, he is now ready to be adopted by a family.
Amanda Sands, manager at Dogs Trust Leeds, said today: “Hockney is doing really well and, of course, we have all fallen for him. We were so shocked when we first saw him as he was in a terrible state. He was so cold, the vet said he wouldn’t have survived much longer. Now, just a few weeks later, he is a typical puppy – full of life and lots of fun, which is wonderful.”
Ms Sands continued: “At first he didn’t want to eat, but now loves his food and he has almost doubled in weight. His fur is finally growing back, and he loves having a cuddle now that his skin is less sensitive.
Hockney was named by the Dogs Trust team after David Hockney because he was rescued the same week that the famous Yorkshire artist was rescued from a jammed lift in Amsterdam.
Things are certainly heading upwards for the fun-loving puppy who is now looking for a family to call his own.
Ms Sands added: “Hockney is really playful and is definitely ready to become part of a loving family. As with all puppies, his owners will need to be around most of the time to take care of him and they will need to be committed to taking him to training classes so he can enjoy exploring everything the world has to offer alongside his new family.
“Despite what he has been through, he is a loving, trusting pup who deserves to find a brilliant family who are committed to taking care of him for the rest of his life.”
Hockney is looking for a forever home with children no younger than twelve. He can live with another dog. If you think you could provide Hockney with his ideal home, please call Dogs Trust Leeds on 0113 5324335. To find out more about all the dogs waiting for their forever homes at Dogs Trust, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk