Normally a photograph of the dog or cat in need of a home  features in this column, however, this week that is not the case.  As Loki’s story unfolds you will understand why.

Loki is a stunning dark brindle boy – it is thought he is a Cane Corso /Bulldog cross. A few weeks ago he was found tied to a gate at St Giles; someone had deposited him there during the night. He was terrified and nervous.

On closer inspection he was found to be wearing a prong collar. It was so tight that the metal prongs had gouged his neck. He was very distressed by the pain and injury from this barbaric item.   It took an abundance of love, patience and gentle enticement to gain his trust and finally the staff were able to remove the collar.

Once this object of torture had been removed Loki was a different dog. His behaviour and mood shifted, he changed from a terrified dog into a happy and animated one and started to play. The horrific impact of the collar had temporarily broken his spirit.

Loki is settled now and doing well with humans and other dogs. At the moment he requires a foster home whilst the Police are  investigating a case of cruelty involving Loki – hence his picture not featuring here at the moment.  Ultimately he will need a forever home but at the moment a foster home is required;  can you accommodate Loki and give him the love he so needs? He is a lovely dog despite his horrific experience.

I had never heard of a prong collar and on investigation was horrified to discover that they have a series of fang shaped metal prongs which  bite into the skin on the dogs neck when the lead is pulled, inflicting pain as punishment in an attempt to correct unwanted behaviour. The RSPCA do not endorse this, neither do The Kennel Club and the British Veterinary Association are against aversive training. 

Can you help Loki by offering him a foster home ?  If so please look at the St Giles website, stgilesanimalwelfare.co.uk