The term “the worst case we have ever seen” is often used in Rescue. However, it is totally justified in this case. We received a call from our vets asking if we could take a young Lurcher girl into our care. She was found by a member of the public staggering at the side of the road in Cardiff with serious injuries. Despite being stretched to our limits we immediately said yes as we believed she deserved a chance. However, we were not prepared for the extent of her injuries and to say we are shocked is an understatement. Initially the finder believed she had been hit by a car. However, once at the vets it was clear that her severe wounds were in fact 2/3 degree chemical burns. This was also supported by the accompanying smell of a paraffin-like odour. The RSPCA were called by the vets and are investigating her case. This little girl, who we have named Sapphire, is going to need some intensive treatment and at the moment there is a 60% chance she will need skin grafts.

We are appealing for funds to support her vet care. These have been estimated at around £1,500 if she needs the skin grafts (less if she doesn’t). Our current resources are stretched to their limits with almost 80 dogs in our care. We really would appreciate any financial support to help Sapphire on her journey back to health.