Comet was tied to a post outside during -5°C temperatures and had multiple stab wounds

A terrified dog who was found tied to a pole with multiple stab wounds has been adopted and is living a “fabulous” new life in the Cotswolds.

In the middle of December, Comet was found bleeding from “horrific” stab wounds on his back when he was tied to a post on a public footpath in Bliston in the West Midlands.

A member of the public reported an abandoned Comet to the RSPCA, and Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Baljit Dhamia went to rescue the young Mastiff-cross.

However, when he arrived at the scene, injured Comet became increasingly frightened. He was also wearing a prong collar, which was digging into his neck every time he moved, causing even more pain and fear.

ARO Dhamia said: “I could immediately see he had three stab wounds on his back and he was clearly very distressed and disorientated. I had to gently coax him with some food I had and then stroked him and spoke to him to gain his confidence.

“I knew though I was going to have to work fast to get him in a portable kennel in my van to make sure I could safely rush him to the vets.

“He was tied up to the post by a lead attached to a prong collar which meant he couldn’t move as the metal would dig into him and cause him further injuries. I was also told he had been there overnight and it was really cold with winter temperatures of -5 degrees and strong winds that night – he had no way to keep warm and was clearly terrified.

“I managed to safely restrain him with my grasper pole while I cut off the collar and then moved him into the kennel. Some kind people who were concerned for his well-being then helped me get the kennel loaded into my van. I really thought he was going to die as he had three stab wounds bleeding out and you never know if there is internal bleeding as well. It was awful to see.

“I rushed him to the hospital which was about 35 minutes away – and it seemed like a really long journey as I was so worried for him due to his awful injuries. You never want a dog to die when you are trying to help them, and I was willing him to survive that journey so I could get him the urgent veterinary attention he desperately needed.”

Comet was treated at the RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital, where he received much-needed pain relief and a drip to administer antibiotics.

The next day, he was put under anaesthesia, where vets were then able to clip, examine, and clean his wounds without causing even more pain.

The stab wounds were found to be around 2.5cm in length and 1cm wide, but the RSCPA said they extended 5cm into his skin. The wounds were sutured, and he was given additional pain relief and antibiotics as he healed.

After eight days at the animal hospital, Comet was moved to the Cotswold Dogs and Cats Home, where he was kept calm and quiet for two weeks as his wounds continued to heal.

Despite the tragic course of events and trauma he suffered, he is “an absolute delight and was so trusting” of the vet team and staff. Comet has since been adopted by a couple who are giving him the “fabulous” life he deserves.

Comet’s new owner said: “We love large breed dogs and were looking at adopting one in a year’s time, but I saw the story of Comet and really wanted to help him. It was heart-breaking to read how he had been stabbed and left tied up outside, alone in the dark and the cold.

“I just saw his face and I couldn’t get him out of my mind so my partner suggested we apply for him. We were then invited to meet him at the branch and the introductions went well so we adopted him.

“It was difficult taking him home in the car as he cried because he was frightened and had probably never been in a car before. I sat with him in the back seat and eventually he put his head on my lap and we bonded.

“When we got home he was busy looking around and finding out about all his toys and bringing them to us. Then that night he joined us on the sofa and cuddled up, which was lovely and we knew then he trusted us.”

Comet now weighs 30kg and loves going out for walks, eating, snoozing, and playing with his toys, which he likes to carry to bed with him.

His owner added: “We both work from home and he showed interest in our office chairs so we got him one which we placed low and with a blanket on and it’s a game-changer. He is often chilling there now.

“We wouldn’t be without him – he really is a loveable goofball and he hasn’t got a bad bone in him. Sometimes when you touch him he flinches – he wants to be touched and stroked but probably because of the cruelty he experienced this is still in his mind. He has such a big heart and he loves being around us. This is why we are supporting the RSPCA’s Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign to help save other dogs like Comet.”

A man was prosecuted by the RSPCA and has been disqualified from owning animals for life.

Source: https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/dog-stabbed-left-tied-post-11082352?fbclid=IwY2xjawTWui9wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUg3RDcyT3o5SnU2b3RxN01zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEetn3fFuhLt_BImn4hWapwsCZSYDtmIDU5Dgt3cqaDEZGah9N2MRrURpU6XUk_aem_6ZfvnwvE16uyMqwDBUoEyw