A FAMILY of nine lurchers are starting their new lives in the North East after being rescued by the RSPCA from ‘unsanitary’ conditions and an owner who was struggling to cope with the pets.

Twelve-year-old lurcher Ceeva and her eight puppies were signed over to the RSPCA from County Durham in January after the animal charity visited the property in the region and expressed concerns for the welfare of the pooches.

Inspector Krissy Raine, who responded to concerns for their welfare, has described the conditions that the dogs were found in, by saying: “They were living in filthy, unsanitary conditions, and were all infested with worms and suffering from diarrhoea.

Read more: Adopt a cat from the RSPCA Cat Rehoming Hub - latest list

“Ceeva was really underweight and there were concerns that her owner couldn’t afford to feed her and the puppies.”

After initial investigations, Ceeva and her pups - Faith, Felix, Finn, Flora, Florence, Flossy, Frank and Fred - were taken in by RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre, in Chester le Street, where they were cared for before being advertised for people to adopt them into their ‘forever home’.

The first pup to be rehomed was Finn, who went to his new home at the start of February.

The Northern Echo: Left: Two of the lurcher puppies when they were first rescued by the RSPCA, right: One of the puppies that has found a forever home. Pictures: RSPCA. Left: Two of the lurcher puppies when they were first rescued by the RSPCA, right: One of the puppies that has found a forever home. Pictures: RSPCA.

His owner, Barbara, from Durham, has fallen in love with her new pet, and has said: “Finn has settled in very well. He’s very affectionate and playful, and such a handsome little chap. He’s a lovely little boy and we feel very lucky to have him.”

Another of the lurchers that is thriving in a new home is Frank, who is settling in well with Nic and his family in Chester-le-Street.

Nic said: “Frank is strong-willed, very playful, as speedy as a rocket and a fast learner. He’s already started to pick up new habits and reserved seats in each of the rooms in the house, so he always has a comfy spot to snooze in. We love him so much already.”

The Northern Echo: Ceeva with her new owner Lorna. Picture: RSPCA.Ceeva with her new owner Lorna. Picture: RSPCA.

The pair of puppies aren’t the only two to be rescued, though.

Flora - now renamed Tilly - is loving life with Amanda in South Tyneside, after she was snapped up from the RSPCA adoption service.

Amanda said: “She is starting to come out of her shell and show she is really bubbly. She soon decided she likes a comfy sofa - or, even better, a comfy lap - to rest on and loves her food. She’s sleeping well at night, waking up to visit the garden and we’re now trying to teach her not to bite.

The Northern Echo: Finn is now enjoying his new home with his owner, Barbara. Pictures: RSPCA.Finn is now enjoying his new home with his owner, Barbara. Pictures: RSPCA.

“I work from home, so she’s already appeared on a number of meetings and charmed everyone she has met. She loves watching the telly and is enjoying the Winter Olympics.

“She is such a joy and great fun; I’m really looking forward to our journey together!”

Ceeva - now renamed Eva - has also been reserved and has had several successful meet and greets with her new owner, Lorna. She is due to go to her new home once she’s recovered from her neutering surgery.

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