THE life of a minute dog was saved last week, thanks to the quick thinking and care shown by an Okehampton lady, Okeford Veterinary Centre and the RSPCA. The dog, a white Chihuahua who has since been named Sparky Pig, was found near Woody?s Diner at Sourton Cross by a lady from Okehampton on Friday November 23, at around 7pm. It was the coldest night of the year so far with temperatures plummeting well below freezing. Had Sparky Pig not been discovered he would have been extremely lucky to last the night. He had been left on a bed and was tied to a lamp post by a retractable lead. After finding him the Okehampton lady, who does not wish to be named, knew she could not leave him where he was. Sparky Pig, however, was in an appalling condition. His rescuer said he smelled disgusting, his nails were terribly overgrown and his teeth were rotten. She contacted the RSPCA, who said they would have to send a unit over from Newquay. They advised the lady that it would be easier if she took Sparky Pig home for the night and then to the vets in the morning. After being bathed, cleaned and enjoying a night?s sleep under a safe roof, Sparky Pig was taken to Okeford Veterinary Centre in Okehampton the following morning. A great deal of work needed to be done on his teeth and nails. However, the Okehampton lady could not afford to pay for the treatment. In a conversation with the RSPCA, vet Sarah Clarke urged them to help fund the work that Sparky Pig needed. On the day after he was found, Sparky Pig had nine teeth removed, with the ones that were left being polished, and his nails clipped. He then, rather groggily, returned home with the Okehampton lady. If there had not been any funding for Sparky Pig?s surgery he would have been put down. He is now re-homed with his Okehampton fairy godmother and is reported to be in the best of spirits. She said: ?He is becoming stronger every day and has made good friends with the other dogs in the house. ?He?s just like part of the family now. ?People need to realise they can?t just leave dogs the way that Sparky Pig was left. ?Without the funding of the RSPCA and Okeford Veterinary Centre he would have died. Mole Avon Town and Country Store and the manager, Maria Sampson, have been brilliant and supplied him with a new collar, worming tablets and a new bed.? Sparky Pig?s unique name came about after he was named ?Sparky? on Friday ? but then given the name ?Piglet? at the vets. John Smallwood, a surgeon at Okeford Veterinary Centre, said: ?To abandon an animal on a night as bitterly cold as that night was just heartless. ?If anyone is struggling with pets please don?t just abandon them. ?Get in touch with local vets or animal charities who will help to put you in touch with animal rehoming agencies. ?Anybody thinking of getting a pet, particularly at this time of year, should be ever so careful. ?Pets need a financial commitment and a time commitment. ?I would urge people to go to a reputable breeder and to get recommendations ? make sure you know what you?re letting yourself in for.?
