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Abandoned dog has 'life filled with love and joy'

RSPCA A bull breed dog, white and brown, has his tongue out and lies on the floor, leaning next to his new owner, a woman with black hair, wearing sunglasses, kneeling down to pose for the camera, smiling, in a parkRSPCA
Enzo has now find a loving home

An abandoned dog who was tied up and left bald and bleeding will spend its first Christmas in a loving new home.

Enzo was found in Stockport, Greater Manchester, on 1 February in a "shocking condition" with bleeding skin and extensive fur loss.

The young bull breed-type dog, who was left near the Peak Forest Canal at Woodley Precinct, was found covered in scabs and sores.

But the dog has now been adopted and new owner Ana Freitas said "it was love at first sight".

Warning: Distressing image below

Ms Freitas, a legal adviser who lives near Congleton, had been looking to rehome a rescue dog after moving to the UK from Brazil to work.

She said staff at RSPCA's Greater Manchester Animal Hospital told her about Enzo and she knew "straight away" she wanted to adopt the dog.

RSPCA A bull-breed dog looks off from the camera, sitting in front of a Christmas tree RSPCA
Ana Freitas is looking forward to Enzo's first Christmas in a new home

"It was so sad hearing about his past but he's the most amazing dog who loves people," the 29-year-old said.

"From the first moment he came into the house he hasn't left my side.

"He settled in beautifully and on the first night he slept on my bed with his paw on my arm."

RSPCA A dog looks at a food bowl, and has barley any fur and red blotches all over his body RSPCA
Enzo was covered in scabs and sores, some of which were bleeding from scratching and itching

Although fur grew back over time, Enzo has been left with permanent scars on top of the head.

"He's made a remarkable transition from a difficult past to a life filled with love and joy," Ms Freitas said.

"His presence has made my days brighter and filled with so much love".

RSPCA Inspector Ryan King said: "It took many weeks of care by the wonderful team at our Warrington animal centre to get him back to full health, although he will always bear some permanent scars from his past neglect.

"We're so grateful to Ana for offering him a fantastic home where he's loved and enjoying life to the full, just as it should be".

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