Puppy abandoned at Christmas helps new owner recover from motorcycle crash
Dougie, a brindle bull terrier, was found by a dog walker tied in a carrier bag in a car park at Tottenham Marshes on December 24, 2023.
After the passer-by contacted animal welfare charity the RSPCA, the puppy was taken to the charity’s Finsbury Park Animal Hospital, where staff named him Dougie.
Dougie was underweight, frightened and missing his paw and part of a back leg, which staff believe was caused by a birth defect.
Dougie, a brindle bull terrier was found abandoned in a carrier bag in Tottenham. The puppy had a missing paw (Image: RSPCA)
RSPCA animal rescue officer Nicola Thomas said: “It must have been a very frightening and bewildering experience for him and it’s just very sad to see a young dog being heartlessly cast aside and left in circumstances like this, especially on Christmas Eve.”
Dougie was moved to RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Dorset, where he built up his strength before having his deformed back leg amputated.
He recovered in a foster home with animal care assistant Hollie Jones and her dog, Lulu, for five weeks before beginning his search for a new home.
Dougie with RSPCA staff after being rescued by a dog walker in Tottenham Marshes (Image: RSPCA)
In February, mental health support worker Kirstin Douglas and her son, Craig, 27, a quality assurance engineer, spotted his profile online.
Craig, was involved in a motorcycle accident in November 2023 and needed surgery for a serious leg injury.
Kirstin, 49, from Bournemouth, said they were not looking for a puppy but could not resist Dougie.
“Craig was lucky not to lose his leg, but Dougie wasn’t so lucky,” she added.
“Craig and Dougie made a fine hoppy pair initially and they bonded as they both recovered from their surgeries; they’re kindred spirits.
“With our surname being Douglas, it felt like it was meant to be.
“Dougie has adapted so well to life on three legs and Craig is making a fabulous recovery,
“I’m sure Dougie has helped him with his rehabilitation. We love him to bits!”