FROM the Milky Way to the moon, it has been a tale of survival for American Staffordshire Bull Terrier Luna.
Formerly named Milky, the dog was about a year old when he was seized from his previous owners by RSPCA inspectors in November 2015 because he was malnourished.
RSPCA Inspector Cheryl Doudle attended the property and said Milky was not only emaciated but suffering serious, untreated skin disease caused by mites.
“It was a 40C day and his water bowl was completely empty,” she said.
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READ NOW“We were devastated to see this energetic, friendly boy in such a terrible condition.”
The owner had cared so little about the dog, they hadn’t even given him a name. Ms Doudle named him Milky and the RSPCA gave him medical treatment and training.
Milky was adopted into a new home in March last year by Jean Pugh from Cambrai.
Ms Pugh, 54, renamed him Luna and said she had no idea of his trauma until she became his carer.
“I was devastated and it made me want to give him more love and more of a wonderful fulltime, forever home,” she said.
“He gets along with every one and every other animal,” she said. “We take him everywhere,” she said.
Ms Pugh said the RSPCA had been helpful and really had matched the right type of dog to the right family.
Ms Doudle said despite the rough start, the RSPCA was pleased Luna can now enjoy the life he always deserved.
“We are so happy to see him with a family that loves and adores him,” she said.
The previous owner was last week convicted of neglect, given a one-year good behaviour bond, ordered to pay $670 in costs, and banned from having custody of any animals.