An abandoned puppy which was left into a rehoming centre “extremely ill” and potentially having to be put to sleep last week has started her recovery, the charity has confirmed.

Seven-month-old Chance was brought to the Barn Animal Rescue Newtownards “covered in mange” on Thursday evening last week, with the centre warning she faced “a lot of veterinary attention for the next few weeks” to recover.

At the time the centre hit out and said they had “never seen a pup in such a terrible or neglected state come into our rescue”.

The initial post drew a large response across Northern Ireland with thousands liking and sharing it.

Now, a few days later, the animal rescue centre said the little dog is “slowly still responding to treatment” while receiving round-the-clock care.

Chance the puppy Photo credit: The Barn Animal Rescue Newtownards

“Her feeding tube and hydration drip have been removed to make sure she is able to eat and drink herself,” they said.

“She is still sore and weak, finding it difficult to walk and prefers to curl up and sleep.

“We can see her personality coming through and find it difficult to understand how a wee dog that has been so badly treated by humans can still display love towards us, but have seen it so many times.

“She will continue on her meds and treatment for the next few week, hopefully improving all the time. But we will not take anything for granted until we are sure she is strong enough to recover.

“Thanks to everyone who has asked about her or donated to her treatment, at last she knows she is loved and cared for.”

News Catch Up – Tuesday 12th November