The Veterinarian Nurse Who Saved The Dog That Was “Hours From Death” Adopted Him

A dog who was “hours away from death” when it was discovered severely malnourished has found a loving new home with the vet nurse who assisted in his recuperation. Seb was one of several animals, including two other dogs, that were found at home after their elderly owner passed away.

Ruth Thomas-Coxon, an animal rescue officer (ARO) with the RSPCA, was dispatched to retrieve the animals after they were signed over to the organization for care. Seb’s fur was a tangled mess from being terribly neglected.

According to the Express, the 11-year-old had to have his fur removed in order to disclose the degree of his emaciation, which included his bones and ribs poking through his skin. Veterinarian Nicole Burn nursed Seb back to health at Stanhope Park Vets in Darlington. She decided to adopt him after falling in love with him.

When we lifted Seb onto the examination table at the vet’s, there was nothing on him, according to Nicole, 28. “When I first saw Seb, he looked in a dreadful state and we felt he was hours away from death,” Nicole said.

He had to have his matted fur removed under anesthesia, and everyone was startled to see how his spine and bones could be seen through his skin due to his extreme malnutrition.

When Seb sought emergency care, he weighed 12.2 kilograms, but after two months, he put on weight and reached a healthier weight of 19.9 kilograms. Nicole took care of Seb and quickly developed a fondness for him. When the time came for him to be adopted, she seized the opportunity.

He is such a gentle and happy boy. I bonded with him right away, and now he is never too far away from me. He has been through some difficult times, but he is so happy and content, and he comes to work with me every day—he is a perfect fit in my life. I have grown up with rough-haired collies, so I know the breed well.

To help other animals like Seb, the RSPCA is conducting its Cancel out Cruelty fundraising initiative. The organization investigates 6,000 cases of willful animal cruelty each month and receives about 90,000 calls each month to its cruelty line.

But during the summer, calls increase to 134,000 per month, while cruelty reports jump to 7,600 per month, or 245 per day. Click here to donate.