Ryedale RSPCA rescue dog becomes a TV star

A neglected Jack Russell from North Yorkshire suffering from a chronic mite infestation was rescued by the RSPCA, adopted in York and is now due to star on the small screen in the Channel 5 Dog Rescuers show presented by Alan Davies.

When Inspector Keira Benham from the RSPCA was called to a home in Kirkbymoorside she discovered two jack russell dogs being kept in the garden.

Suspecting that one of them was suffering from a form of mange, she left a notice instructing the owner to take the afflicted dog to the vet

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A few days later, Inspector Benham returned to the property with her colleague Inspector Claire Mitchell to check if her advice had been followed. She says:

“When the owner saw us coming, she drove away from the house. But as our biggest concern was for the wellbeing of the animals, we headed straight round to the back of the property where they were being kept.”

Even from a distance, it was clear to the two RSPCA Inspectors that one of the dogs - Ruby - needed medical attention. Inspector Benham continues: “Her skin was red, her eyes were infected and she was suffering from fur loss. When I called the owner, she told me that her dog had already received treatment for mange, but I could see Ruby was still in a terrible state.”

With Ruby showing no improvement since her previous visit, Inspector Benham got the owner to agree to let her take Ruby to the vet, and signed both her and another Jack Russell named Boss over to the RSPCA.

When she took the two dogs to Minster Vets to be checked over, Boss was in good health, but Ruby was found to be suffering from both demodex mites and conjunctivitis.

Luckily, vet Jenny Dabb was able to treat Ruby successfully and it was then time to find the dogs new homes.

A fully recovered Ruby was soon rehomed and has settled down happily with Ann Wheatley in South Bank, York . She said:

“Ruby has really gained in confidence since coming home, and has definitely come out of her shell.

“She now loves to go on walks, and is doing really well with her recall skills. Although she still gets a bit nervous, she’s now enjoying meeting other dogs

“Although I don’t get a proper lie-in any more, I’ll let her upstairs onto my bed in the mornings and I can go back to bed for a bit. She’s really snuggly. Adopting Ruby has been a real life-changer for me.”

Alan Davies said: "The Dog Rescuers goes behind the scenes to see the RSPCA at work rescuing dogs from neglect and abuse.

"It's sad to see dogs suffering but always a joy when they are nursed back to health and find loving new homes."

Ruby is one of 8,009 dogs rescued by the RSPCA last year - that’s nearly one every hour.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give or text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).

To rehome a dog like Ruby visit our website to find your perfect match.

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