Abandoned, starving puppy nursed back to life in Adelaide
A 10-month-old puppy found abandoned and close to death at a park in Adelaide's Onkaparinga Hills has been given a second shot at life, now living with the father of the vet who saved it.
A local South Australian man was walking his dogs in the South of Adelaide when he spotted the emaciated Stafford Bull Terrier cross, before rushing it to a nearby vet.
The local vet started working to save the young dog's life, administering emergency treatment before contacting the RSPCA.
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Buckley was found in a park completely emaciated. 9News
When RSPCA South Australia vet Dr Lauren Eyre arrived, she said the puppy's condition was shocking.
"It was certainly touch and go for the first couple of days," Dr Eyre said.
The dog weighed half of what it should have, just 7.6 kilograms.
Dr Eyre named the puppy Buckley, believing the dog had "Buckley's chance" of survival.
Dr Eyre said Buckley was suffering from a range of issues including dehydration, severe muscle wastage and ulcerated pressure sores.
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When Buckley was located he was was suffering from a range of issues including dehydration, severe muscle wastage and ulcerated pressure sores. 9News
The Adelaide father who found Buckley. 9News
"We just didn't know how it was going to go," said Dr Eyre.
"Lots of TLC, and treatment, and fingers crossed for him really was all we could do."
Dr Eyre said it was Buckley's determination that encouraged her.
"He really wanted to try. He was making a lot of eye contact and wagging his tail and you could just tell he really wanted to thrive."
Buckley has since made a significant recovery and is now living with Dr Eyre's father.
The RSPCA is working to determine how Buckley got to the park, and how long he was there before he was found.
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