Battersea’s Old Windsor puppies find loving homes

After being found in ‘appalling condition’ wandering the streets, the trio were taken into the rescue centre, on Priest Hill, to get the help they needed.

Staff at the animal welfare charity were “horrified” by the condition the puppies were in after they arrived in late October.

All three had lost almost all their fur and were covered in sores and dirt and had problems with their ears.

The three puppies when they arrived at Battersea Old Windsor. Picture: Battersea Old Windsor

After receiving the care they needed from the charity’s vets, behaiouvrists and foster carers, Abbie, Basil and Josie could get their lives back on track.

The pups became playful and loveable again and they were finally ready to find their forever home as much-loved pets.

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Craig Perera, team leader at Battersea’s Old Windsor centre, said: “When you look at these pups now, it’s hard to believe that only a few weeks ago they were roaming the streets, unwell and unloved.

“From the moment they arrived, our staff worked around the clock to ensure Basil, Abbie and Josie had the best possible chance to grow in to healthy, happy young dogs, before finding them new homes where we knew they’d be loved.”

First to leave Battersea’s care was Josie, who joined her owner Tony Hallett to start a new life in Surrey.

Since going home, the Josie has grown in confidence and now loves going for long walks with her new family.

Josie all settled in her new home. Picture: Battersea Old Windsor

Two days later, Abbie and Basil went to their new homes in West Sussex and Kent respectively.

Abbie’s owner, Robin Quinnell, said: “Abbie has settled in really well and has everyone wrapped around her paw.

“She is very cheeky but incredibly sweet and very quickly decided that her favourite spot is on the sofa and she has also bonded well with our other dog, Buddy.”

Here is Basil with his new friend Clara wrapped up warm by the Christmas tree.

Lucy Farley, Basil’s new owner, added she is thankful and lucky to have him.

“He’s the best puppy,” she said.

“We’ve found he loves watching telly, looking at his reflection and playing with other dogs.”

Now aged four months and safe and warm, the centre hopes all three puppies will celebrate many festive seasons to come with families who love them.

While this trio have all now found homes, many other vulnerable dogs and cats will be needing help.

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Mr Perera added: “We’ll never know exactly what led to this little family being left to fend for themselves at such a young age, but we know there’s a chance they were abandoned by an owner.

“At Battersea we understand that people may have to face the incredibly difficult decision to give up a pet, and we would never judge anyone for doing so.”

Any owners struggling to cope with their pet should visit the Battersea website.

He said: “We would just urge anyone no longer able to care for a pet to reach out for support from places like Battersea, rather than put a pet’s wellbeing at risk by abandoning them.”