A French bulldog who suffered multiple injuries including broken bones at the hands of his former owner is thriving in a new home with the vet who saved his life, thanks to the RSPCA.
‘Fred’ had endured severe injuries including multiple fractures to his skull, jaw, and ribs, and significant eye damage due to physical abuse when he was rescued by the charity.
Thankfully, the brave pup pulled through and after receiving intensive veterinary care and treatment at RSPCA Finsbury Park Animal Hospital, he was adopted by Guilherme De Souza Abrao, the vet who treated him, and his wife Jess.
The RSPCA is telling his story as part of its Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues ’ campaign after shocking new figures released by the animal welfare charity show a massive 64% increase in summer cruelty to animals over the last five years.
In June, July and August last year the RSPCA took 6,322 cruelty calls* to their emergency line (one call every 10 minutes) compared to 3,852 in 2021.
RSPCA Inspector Cora Peeters, who was first on the scene to rescue Fred after receiving reports of abuse, described the moment she first saw the puppy.
“When I entered the home and saw Fred, he was very subdued and quiet, and I knew this was far from how a puppy of just seven months should behave” she said. “The owners allowed me to take Fred to a vet because of his sore eye, but we couldn’t have imagined what we were to later discover.”
A local vet examined Fred’s eye, but was also concerned about a lump on his head, and his jaw. Fred was referred to RSPCA Finsbury Park Animal Hospital, whose team, including Guil, carried out x-rays and further tests, which revealed the extent of Fred’s hidden injuries.
Cora added: “Guil and the team discovered that Fred had a fractured cheek bone and skull, as well as multiple historical rib fractures, and a fracture to his jaw which left us completely shocked. The lump on his head was revealed to have been caused by a fracture to the top of his skull which left a noticeable point which can still be felt today.”
Despite these injuries, Fred’s sweet and affectionate nature remained as he underwent a treatment plan, and he had already caught the eye of vet Guil, who formed an instant bond with the pup since he was first brought to the clinic.
Guil, who was completing a certificate in ophthalmology at the time, was asked to work on Fred’s treatment and recovery plan.
He said: “I knew as soon as I laid eyes on Fred when I arrived at work that day that I wanted to adopt him. He looked so sad and as though life had just been drained out of him. Seeing him in our hospital, with so many bone fractures, his bloodied eye, and a large lump on his head, made me feel incredibly sad”
Guil and his wife Jess offered to foster Fred whilst his injuries were treated but he instantly became part of the family, and the couple formally adopted him. From that day, Fred’s life was transformed.
Guil added: “We simply adore Fred, he’s our family. Despite everything he went through, he is such a friendly, bright dog who loves meeting people. He’s incredibly intelligent, playful and ball-obsessed! His favourite thing to do is rummage through his toy box and sort everything out, as well as scent games. When he was recovering from his injuries, we gave him a lot of scent games to keep him occupied as he has the most amazing sense of smell. We believe this may have developed because of his impaired vision.
“There are times when Fred’s past causes him anxiety – he becomes noticeably agitated and worried when it gets dark, or when he smells alcohol, and because he is blind in one eye, we have to be careful when we approach him from that side.
“Fred is just the most wonderful, special dog and we couldn’t imagine life without him, he still bears the scars from his ordeal. We talk about these in a positive light, such as his pointed head, caused by a skull fracture, which we say makes him look like a unicorn, and his ear that was broken so permanently turns out to one side. He’s a unique dog with the most unique character, and we just adore him. He’s safe and happy with us now forever and we couldn’t be more grateful that we get to be the ones to look after him.”
Beyond the impacts of his abuse, Fred, like all French bulldogs, has been bred with exaggerated features – such as brachycephaly and spinal defects – that cause chronic health problems, meaning he may require significant additional long-term veterinary care. Luckily, as a vet, Guil will provide a higher level of care dogs like Fred require.
The RSPCA is running its Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign to highlight their work and to save so many animals, like Fred, from horrific abuse and suffering.
Every summer, animal cruelty peaks. Right now, it’s at its highest level in five years.
But cruelty isn’t the strongest force at work this summer. Love is.
Together, we can turn this season of cruelty into one of love, kindness and rescue for animals that need it the most by donating to our Cruelty Hurts Love Rescues campaign.
