A LURCHER who was found abandoned amongst undergrowth is now looking for a loving new home in time for a happy Christmas.

One-year-old lurcher Bramble was frightened and skinny when he was found huddled in undergrowth off Busby Lane, Middlesbrough, in October.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Ruth Thomas-Coxon went to collect him after he was spotted curled up by passersby and said he was a ‘pitiful sight’.

He had an injured leg and went into RSPCA care for treatment and rehabilitation. Staff at Great Ayton Animal Centre, in North Yorkshire, have spent weeks giving him tender loving care and are now looking for a home for him.

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Great Ayton deputy manager Olivia Duffill said: “Bramble was originally called Bang Bang but we felt he needed a new name for his new start. He is doing really well and his leg has been improving every day.

“He’s a beautiful dog with a lovely nature, and he absolutely loves spending time with all of our staff. He enjoys cuddles and is becoming a real snuggle monster! He has formed a wonderful bond with some of our workers and volunteers. He’s a really fabulous dog and we’re so pleased that he’s now ready for a loving new home.”

Bramble needed an operation on his leg injury but has recovered well, although he did not enjoy wearing a cone!

He’s now on a special diet to help him put on weight and that may need to continue in his new home.

Olivia added: “Bramble is a happy, sweet boy but he is finding kennel life really challenging. He’s unfortunately starting to show signs of separation issues in the kennels.

“We’re really keen to get Bramble into the right home as quickly as possible as we believe this will help to alleviate some of his anxieties and stress. And we’d be happy to work with his new owners to help them settle him in and support him should he show any separation-related behaviour.

“He can be a little unsure around new people so adopters would need to be prepared to come and meet him several times before they can take him home. However, we’re really hoping we could get this set up over the next few weeks so we can get him into a wonderful home in time for Christmas.”

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