Abandoned dog with fur so matted he could barely walk or see rescued by Leeds RSPCA

Frankie the terrier cross was in such a bad condition when he was found abandoned in August last year that he could barely walk or see before being rescued by the RSPCA.

Animal charity workers gave the pooch a much-needed haircut and groom, while also providing urgent medical care on various ailments in a bid to bring him back to health.

Miraculously, Frankie made a full recovery and was placed up for adoption, and taken in by dog-lover Tracey Williamson, who said it was "love at first sight".

She added: “My heart melted when I saw his photo. He looked like our late dog and we completely fell in love with him.

"We submitted an application and kept our fingers crossed but weren’t holding out much hope as we knew how much interest there had been in rescue dogs during lockdown.”

However, Tracey and her family were asked to go and meet Frankie and had such an amazing time together that they were matched together a short time later.

Tracey said: “We were so excited when we were chosen to adopt him.

“He’s settled in really well. He can be a little nervous of new things but he’s really growing in confidence.

"When we first got him he was quite anxious on the lead and going out and about but now he absolutely loves his walks."

According to the RSPCA, Frankie was found abandoned, along with another dog called Benny, in Sowerby Bridge in August 2020.

The pair were rescued by the animal charity and transported to their Leeds and Wakefield branch for urgent care prior to their adoption.

Tracey said: “It’s such a huge transformation from the matted little dog who arrived at the RSPCA centre in such a state.

"It breaks our hearts to think how he was treated before and we hope, in time, that he’ll forget about his past.

“Now he gets very spoiled and loves a bit of pampering.

"He goes to the groomer regularly and really enjoys the fuss and attention he gets. He’s a little star when he has a haircut."

She added: “He’s such a lovely dog, he’s so affectionate and we couldn’t imagine our lives without him."

The family are still helping to build the little dog’s confidence and are working with a trainer to help with his reactivity around other dogs.

They’ve also started to introduce him to toys and teach him how to play.

Tracey said: “I don’t think anyone has ever played with him before as he doesn’t really understand what toys are.

“But we’re going to try to introduce him to games and teach him how to have fun

“He’s brought us so much joy and love, especially during lockdown, so we’re determined to do the same for him.”