A LUCKY Cockapoo puppy survived a potentially fatal virus after being taken into a Blandford rescue home.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue (MGAR) has seen pets, including puppies, coming in after being initially bought online, which means that the owners aren’t fully prepared for the pets’ needs.

Problems arise when the ‘seller’ can’t provide or chooses not to pass on the relevant health and behavioural information in order to gain financially, unbeknown to the new owner.

Doogie, the Cockapoo is one of the lucky ones who has found a home with Lottie, senior animal welfare worker from the charity’s Lincoln Farm Centre, Blandford.

Doogie was taken into rescue as a very young puppy when his owners became concerned that he wasn’t acting like a puppy and they felt they couldn’t offer him what he needed.

It turned out he had Parvo Virus, which can be fatal, and had likely come from a puppy farm hence his behavioural issues, nervousness and lack of social skills.

Following treatment, lots of love, the offer of a home with Lottie, who dedicated lots of time to training him and managing is everyday struggles, Doogie is now loving life.

Lottie said: “Online dog selling is on the increase, which means sadly many are passed around several times before coming into rescue with no history, no social skills and often undetected medical conditions.

“When you rehome from a reputable rescue you are assured of life-long support from a responsible source.”

Rehoming a pet from MGAR means you are assured that it will have had health and behaviour assessments.

Any pre-existing medical problems will be identified and treatment arranged before the pet is matched to their forever family.

For more information visit https://www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk/contact