He was disposed in a forest without care or conscience, abandoned to his fate and left for dead.
But 5 months on, thanks to the empathy of complete strangers, Ernie has actually discovered his permanently home and will never ever understand the horror of being alone once again.
The unbelievable journey from near-death to living life to the complete begun in September 2022 when the little white Staffie was discovered by mishap with another starving dog in a Co Antrim forest.
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Julie Jenkins from Northern Ireland Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue, informed DogsLive: “He had to do with 5 days from death. He could not have actually gone on a lot longer. Weak, tired and not able to discover food to correct shelter every day and every night would have deteriorated him more up until he would have put down to pass away.
“Ernie was abandoned in Glenarriff Forest with another dog and both of them were discovered by mishap by a boy who was out walking in the location. Without doubt he handled to secure both of the dogs and got them into his car. He tried to find owners however there was nobody to be discovered and both dogs remained in a state of innovative hunger.
“Ernie’s ribs and hip bones were jutting out, his legs were spindly and what must have been a charming strong head was collapsed without any fat on his body at all. The other dog was likewise starving however in some way had actually fared much better than Ernie and he would likewise be taken into rescue.
“Ernie’s rescue journey has actually been a long and deeply upsetting one for all those included however we feel that it’s essential to inform his story for lots of factors. From the preliminary telephone call from the mom of the boy who discovered Ernie disposed in the forest to today, this story is another example of how terribly dogs are dealt with by some, how little care or empathy or regard they are provided, and simply how non reusable they are for some individuals.
But it likewise exposes the goodness in individuals, of individuals who comprehend dogs are not products to be utilized and abused at an impulse, individuals who care enough to action in and assist where and when they can.
“When Ernie was discovered he was simply 5 days or at the majority of a week from total hunger and eventually death. The 2 dogs had actually been passed to animal well-being however the finder had actually asked if we might help Ernie as soon as he had the ability to be launched from them.
“There was never ever any doubt that we would be there for him. However, all of us needed to sustain the long and desperate wait of almost 5 weeks in an official kennel center for him to be lawfully turned over to us. We think the guidelines around this kind of hold-up require to be altered for the sake of the dogs due to the fact that while they are safe, there is no genuine psychological convenience for dogs in requirement like Ernie.
“When we lastly got him handed to us, it was apparent he had actually been starved and due to the fact that of his terrible condition and the truth that he had actually been wandering off for rather a long time, his stomach and withins were totally screwed up.
“As quickly as he got here, Ernie visited our veterinarians and got the best in healthcare consisting of comprehensive blood tests, worming treatment, a urine test and prescription antibiotics. He was likewise provided some probiotics to help assist his food digestion along with being put on an unique diet plan. A further appointment was made for a urethral flush due to the abnormalities in his urine sample and a tummy scan to look for any internal damage.
“Our main task was to increase his weight slowly as well as toning up his muscles. We also needed to get on top of the complex urinary infection that it became apparent he had. And as each day and week passed we could see the positive changes in him. It was so joyous to see his health improving and his wonderful personality shining through.
“Despite his troubles, Ernie proved to be the most loving and affectionate of dogs and everyone who met him fell in love with him and his goofy ways.
“Ernie weighed just 13kg on the day he was found in the forest and today he weighs a healthy 23kg and our wonderful, soft natured, gentle, playful and funny Ernie has continued to thrive from the moment he came into our care.
“His weight increased at a steady, healthy rate and his personality really started to shine through. Four months into his rehabilitation programme with us, Ernie was adopted by a fantastic couple and is living the life he deserves, his best life.
“So much time and effort went into getting him healthy and ready for adoption but every second is worth it especially knowing his story has a happy ending.
“Just look at Ernie’s photos over the last five months and see what love can do. Every dog deserves the chance to be loved and Ernie pays it all back with being the best boy.”
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