While others will be tucking into their turkey dinner this Christmas, staff at Dogs Trust Ballymena, County Antrim, will be spending their Christmas Day caring for the season's first canine casualty.
She's an eight-week-old Crossbreed puppy 'Gretal' who was found callously abandoned just days before the winter holidays.
Gretal was found by a member of the public in Craigavon, County Armagh, where she had been left to fend for herself. She was found early one morning, suggesting she was perhaps abandoned the night before, in freezing temperatures.
After being taken to Craigavon Civic Centre, the local dog warden brought Gretal to Armagh Dog Pound where she spent five days waiting to be claimed. When nobody came forward she was taken to Dogs Trust Ballymena where has since being treated to lots of much needed TLC.
Sarah Hickie, who cared for Gretal at Armagh Dog Pound, says:
“We believe Gretal had been purchased as a family pet but for some reason was found wandering the streets on her own. She remained in our care for five days; however no one came forward to claim her.”
Despite her ordeal, Gretal is now in the care of Dogs Trust Ballymena until she is ready to find a loving new home in the New Year!
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