Dog Left With Scarring From Her Tight Muzzle Finds A Loving Home

Last summer, a Staffie/Labrador mix, named Mercedes, was brought into the RSPCA’s Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Branch by authorities, and the dog had a very unusual marking on her face.

Staff member Steph McCawley explained, according to Derbyshire Times, “Mercedes came to us from Greater Manchester Animal Hospital. She was rescued by RSPCA officers after concerns were raised for her welfare and vets found the scarring around her nose.”

As she further added, “We believe this old injury was caused by a muzzle or halti-collar being left on her nose for long periods of time and being too tight. It caused a nasty wound to her face which has healed over time and the scarring has caused the fur to grow back white.”

When Mercedes initially arrived, the dog was extremely shy and anxious. It was clear she didn’t trust anyone, but with weeks of lots of love and care, the staff at the facility were able to slowly make her feel comfortable and breakthrough to her. Eventually, Mercedes began to blossom.

Steph continued, saying, “Once she got to know us and built relationships with individuals she was such a lovely, friendly dog. Whenever you came to see her or take her for a walk she’d get giddy with excitement, it was so sweet.”

Mercedes eventually caught the eye of Chesterfield-based Ben Clark. Ben, along with his partner, Kirsty, had been looking to rescue a dog in order to give a shelter pet a second chance in a happy home.

As Ben explained, “We ended up visiting the Chesterfield branch about seven times before we found Mercedes. I felt really sorry for her when I saw her scarring and heard her story. When we first met her we were told she hated men and kept herself to herself but when they first brought her out she was just so soppy and laid her head on my legs.”

The couple was confident that they’d finally found their dog, so they put a reservation on her. Once the couple moved and got set up in their new home, they brought her home with them.

The couple renamed her Sadie, and it was clear that Sadie had hit the jackpot with a couple who love her dearly – and spoil her rotten.

Ben stated, “Sadie settled in really quickly and definitely sees it as home. We’ve been working on training her and although we’ve had a few bumps along the way – such as some of her destructive behavior – we’re getting on really well.”

He added, “We’re working on some of her issues and she’s become really gentle and loving. She is nothing like the timid dog we first got, now she loves company and is just as happy to do her own thing. She’s come a long way and I’m very proud of her.”

The RSPCA has done a lot for homeless animals, however, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve had to pause rehoming activities, and put a lockdown on their facilities. However, the different centers are still kept busy caring for more than 3,200 animals who are dependent on them for care. If you want to help the RSPCA continue their crucial work, you can do so by visiting their website. Additionally, to donate specifically to the RSPCA’s Chesterfield and North Derbyshire branch, visit its website.