This starving, skeletal dog was close to death when it was discovered in the home of its deceased owner

Seb, an 11-year-old rough-haired collie, was found starving to death. He was so poorly that the vets had serious doubts that he was going to make it. But thanks to the fantastic care he received, he is now living his best life with a nurse who helped with his miraculous recovery.

A heartbreaking discovery

It was pure luck that a member of the public accidentally discovered dangerously emaciated Seb and other starving pets following the death of their elderly owner. The animals had likely witnessed the tragic event.

They were left to take care of themselves and would face a grim end if not for the help that came just in time to save them.

The member of the public alerted the RSPCA, and an animal inspector came to collect the pets.

‘Hours away from death’

The rescue team and the vet couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw Seb’s horrendous condition. His fur was a matted mess, and upon shaving it off, they discovered the true extent of his emaciation. The pup was skeletal, with his bones and ribs protruding through his skin, Express writes.

Vet nurse Nicole Burn who cared for the pooch said:

When I first saw Seb, he looked in a terrible state and we believed he was hours away from death. When we lifted him onto the examination table at the vet's, there was just nothing on him.

But despite the odds, life-loving Seb took a turn for the better. He weighed 12.2 kilograms when he arrived at the rescue and went for emergency treatment. Within two months, the pup had gained weight and jumped to a more healthy 20 kilograms.

A happy home at last

Nicole spent her childhood with rough-haired collies and understood the breed well. As she was helping Seb’s recovery, she grew to know his sweet nature and fell madly in love with him. When the dog was ready to be rehomed, she jumped at the chance of adopting him.

Nicole said:

He is such a gentle and happy boy. I bonded with him straight away, and now he is never too far away from me. He has been through some tough times, but he is so happy and content, and he comes to work with me every day—he is a perfect fit in my life.

Seb found his special human, and his new owner and his rescuers in the RSPCA couldn’t be happier.

The RSPCA is currently running its Cancel out Cruelty fundraising campaign to help more animals like Seb. Head to their website to learn more about their rescue work.

Read more:

⋙ This blind rescue dog was so cheeky he won his foster mama’s heart and got a forever home

⋙ This elderly dog couple are ‘loving life’ again after they have been adopted by a family that adores old dogs

⋙ This 'scary-looking' dog finds a new home after a ‘makeover’ with a propeller hat (PHOTO)