Fendi | The Big Give Back to Animals - RSPCA

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This story deals with a true account of animal neglect and contains some distressing images.

Fendi was starving, frightened and trapped

Curious Fendi loves following her nose – chasing leaves in the garden and rummaging in her owner’s handbag!

But in January 2025, a housing officer found Fendi chained in a dirty, makeshift shed. One of the police officers who attended said he’d never seen a dog in such dire need.

She was starving, extremely thin and suffering from open sores. She’d been left there while her owner was on holiday, without food or water, and sleeping on wooden pallets.

When we collected her from the vet, they said she’d been starving for so long, her muscles had begun to waste away. The wound on her leg was infected and needed surgery.

We rushed Fendi to RSPCA Doncaster and Rotherham Animal Centre for urgent treatment.

Fendi, a large tan and black dog stands in a dark doorway attached to a heavy metal chain, holding a dirty green cooking pot in their mouth.

Fendi, a tan and black dog with pointed ears, looks forward while sitting next to a smiling older woman.

With time, love and patience, she began to see that humans weren’t all scary.

Georgia, rehoming coordinator at RSPCA Doncaster and Rotherham Animal Centre

The long road to recovery

Fendi needed an operation on her leg. As her injuries healed, she began to reach a healthy weight. Fendi struggled in kennels, but she forged strong bonds with people. She seemed to seek reassurance from her carers by being close to them.

Lack of socialisation had left Fendi unsure and nervous of strange dogs and new people. She would hide behind staff members’ legs, and it was obvious she didn’t even know how to play with toys.

With patience and time, we built up Fendi’s confidence. Soon, she was excitedly wagging her tail when she spotted dogs on her walks. When we matched her with her perfect new owner, staff came out in force to wave her off.

“Fendi’s overcome so much to get to where she is today,” says Georgia. “Seeing her go to her new home was an emotional day for all of us.”

A worried-looking brown and black dog rests their front paw in a person's outstretched hand inside a vet clinic.

before

Fendi was chained up in a metal shed, visibly shaking. She was painfully thin and had an open wound on her back leg.

A smiling older woman sits on a blue wooden bench while Fendi, a tan and black dog, lies happily on their back across her lap.

after

Now Fendi has space to exercise and loves to play. Her doting owner gives her plenty of reassurance when she’s feeling anxious.

“She’s brought so much love into my life”

Although she’d made a lot of progress, Fendi was still hesitant around new people. So the animal centre staff were surprised when she rushed straight up to Helen.

“It was as if Fendi knew Helen was her person,” says Georgia.

Today, Fendi finally has space to run, toys to play with, and the training and love she needs to thrive.

“She explores the garden every morning before breakfast,” says Helen. “She’s so curious, and a fast learner. She loves to ‘pop’ her toy balls – it brings her such glee!

“She’s so affectionate: she’ll do anything to be next to me. She's like my shadow. And it’s not just me; she loves everyone.”

Fendi is healthy and loved, all thanks to our supporters. But other animals are still suffering this winter. Will you help us give them a better future?