A dog who was abandoned, dehydrated, and injured near Denbigh has now found a new home.
In September, while driving along a country lane near Llansannan, Anwen and Keith Bellis were approached by a four-year-old dog. The small terrier cross, later named Fenton, was badly injured, exhausted, with open, bleeding wounds on his face and neck.
Anwen, who lives near Mold, recalled:
“At first we thought he was a very old dog because he was disoriented and unsteady on his feet. His fur was matted, he smelled terrible, and he just looked completely exhausted. When he came up to me, he rested his head on my leg because he was so weak—it was absolutely heartbreaking to see a dog in such an appalling condition.”
The couple wrapped Fenton in a towel and contacted the RSPCA, who advised them to take him to the charity’s Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre in Colwyn Bay. Deputy centre manager Rachel Gibbs said she was devastated to see Fenton in such a state, though not surprised, as the RSPCA dealt with 3,004 abandoned animals across England and Wales last winter.
Rachel recalled:
“As I approached the car, I could immediately see Fenton was in a terrible way. He was lying on his side, almost lifeless, in the footwell of the car. His body was covered in infected wounds and thick dirt, and he couldn’t even lift his head. We knew he had to see a vet straight away.”
Fenton was rushed to an emergency vet, where he stayed overnight before returning to Bryn-y-Maen the next morning, still extremely weak.
Thankfully, he slowly began to recover. Anwen shared:
“We visited him at the centre, and to see him running around after being so close to collapse was just wonderful. We’re over the moon that he has found a loving home after everything he’s been through.”
On 27 November, Fenton was officially adopted by Philip and Wendy Hammond from Northwich, Cheshire, who said he has settled in well and is keeping them on their toes.
Wendy said:
“He’s such a bundle of energy, and it’s lovely to have another dog in the house after we lost our 14-year-old Parson Russell Terrier. Fenton loves picking things up—my slippers have gone missing a few times—so we’ve had to put a few things away. We’ve also got a canal boat and are planning to take him on trips next summer. He’s such a cheeky little character, and he’ll never have to go through those awful experiences again.”
Rachel Gibbs from the RSPCA added:
“Looking at Fenton now, it’s hard to believe he was once in such a dreadful state. We are incredibly grateful to the vets, to Anwen and Keith for their compassion that day, and to Philip and Wendy for offering Fenton a forever home. He’s been on quite a journey, and we are absolutely delighted that it has ended in a happy new chapter for this gorgeous little dog.”