This heartbroken dog saw her friend starve to death and managed to find a happy ending

This pup was the lucky one of two dogsfound suffering in filthy conditions. Unlike her canine companion who starved to death right in front of her, Bessie survived and was able to overcome her trauma. A new dog now, she is happy in a wonderful home with loving owners.

Rescued from filthy conditions

Bessie, previously known as Bonnie, was found living in incredibly filthy conditions and rescued by the RSPCA in August last year. A dark-coloured Staffordshire Bull terrier, she was underweight and completely bald due to an untreated flea infestation. Bessie could not stop scratching herself.

But the pup was lucky compared to another pet on the property. Animal Inspector Garry Palmer was confronted with a ‘pitiful sight’ when he found the ‘thinnest dog he had seen alive’, white Staffordshire Bull Terrier Annie, previously called Angel. Lying in her own filth, crawling with fleas, with every bone in her body protruding through her skin, Annie was so weak she could not stand up.

Sadly, Bessie’s emaciated canine companion had to be put to sleep, breaking her and the whole rescue team’s hearts, Teesside Live reports.

Happy in a new home

Bessie responded well to the vet treatments and has gone through the rehabilitation course with the RSPCA. When the pup was physically and emotionally ready, the charity matched her with a new loving home. Her owners Rob and Jessica can’t imagine their life without Bessie.

Due to her previous sad experience and the heartbreak of losing her canine companion, Bessie was timid and had difficulties opening up. She was also not used to healthy interactions with humans. But within two months in a new home, her personality really started to come through.

The pooch’s fur has grown back making her look like a completely different dog. The couple says her initial shyness has now gone and she has a bouncy personality.

Rob, a dog trainer, said:

We went to see Bessie in her foster home at first and she was quite withdrawn - she would say 'hello' and make a fuss then go back to sitting quietly.

Now ‘she is a typical bouncy Staffy who loves people and enjoys playing with her tennis ball’.

'Cancel out cruelty'

According to Jessica, it is sad to think of Bessie’s past but it is great she has such a happy future to look forward to thanks to the work of the RSPCA.

Her former owners were prosecuted for acts of cruelty and causing unnecessary suffering to their pets. They were each given an 18-week prison sentence suspended for two years, and banned from keeping any animals for five years.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA Chief Inspectorate Officer said:

It is incredibly worrying that still in 2022 we are seeing this high level of cruelty towards animals. …we are calling on the public to help us Cancel Out Cruelty and help more animals like Bessie.

Head to RSPCA's website to help more animals like Bessie, learn more about the charity and support their vital animal welfare and rescue work.

Sources used:

- Teesside Live: ‘Neglected Bessie at the centre of animal abuse case on Teesside is now living her best life’

Read more:

⋙ Rescue's plea as this anxious pup was adopted just to be dumped back at the shelter a week later

⋙ These heartbroken puppies were reunited after two different rescues put their stories together

⋙ Rescue’s agony as they find an abandoned terrified dog in their car park first thing in the morning