Neglected senior dogs suffered a lifetime of abuse and need your help

Despite their celebrity names, Bon Jovi and Rod Stewart’s life couldn't be further from fame and fortune. 12-year-old pupswere kept in a crate their whole life resulting in dreadful health issues. They suffered a lifetime of abuse by their neglectful owner and will require complex and costly treatment and rehabilitation.

Found in horrendous conditions

12-year-old Bon Jovi and Rod Stewart were rescued by the RSPCA in Derby, England after they were found living in horrendous conditions. The poor pups who had spent their entire lives locked up in crates arrived at the charity’s shelter covered in urine and faeces.

They were rushed to the vet, but their coats were so mattered, specialists struggled to identify their breeds.

Sadly, medical examination detected more health issues likely developed due to their poor treatment.

‘Neither of the dogs had ever been taken out on a walk before’

According to the RSPCA, the pups were ‘sedated and clipped in what turned out to be a mammoth process’. After a shave and a thorough clean-up, the neglected animals were found to be Tibetan Terriers.

Both dogs now feel so much better and ‘have started to learn that touching them doesn't hurt them anymore’.

Rod Stewart had to be treated with pain relief and antibiotics as his nails curled around and grew into his back pads resulting in a hole around an inch wide in his feet. Bon Jovi is risking losing one or both of his eyes and is currently being monitored to make him as comfortable as possible.

An RSPCA statement reads:

On top of all this, both dogs also required extensive dental treatment to ensure their rotting teeth were removed and any remaining teeth were cleaned.

As neither of the dogs had ever been taken out on a walk before, the rescue's rehabilitation and behaviourist teams have been slowly introducing them to the world around them.

Support is needed for Bon Jovi and Rod Stewart

The health issues the pups are facing are so extensive that the RSPCA has launched a fundraising campaign to pay for their complex and costly treatments.

The charity said:

Sadly, these two little dogs highlight some of the severe and distressing cases we deal with on a regular basis. The grooming, vet visits, medication, future operations and care for these two neglected dogs cost in the region of £1,000. If we beat our target the remaining money will go to other animals in our care who need medical treatments.

You can support Bon Jovi and Rod Stewart on the charity’s JustGiving page. If you'd like to welcome them into your home, contact the rehoming team at animals@rspcaderby.org.uk.

Sources used:

- Mirror: 'Dogs Bon Jovi and Rod Stewart so neglected vets couldn't tell their breed'

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