The RSPCA is appealing for help to find loving homes for two pups who have endured heart-breaking pasts and are now hoping for a fresh start.
Rehabilitation can often take weeks, months or years, and the charity hopes these two will find their miracle homes this Christmas.
Simba
This two-and-a-half-year-old crossbreed was rescued last December after being abandoned in a flat on Teesside.
He was found trapped inside a misshapen metal crate, too small for him to stand, with only a dirty blanket covered in dog mess and an empty bowl.
Simba, who was 18-months-old at the time, was rescued by the RSPCA.
After months of rehabilitation at the Great Ayton Animal Centre, including two operations on his tail and intense behavioural work, Simba has transformed into a happy, confident pup.
His road to recovery was long, as he needed months of behavioural work, using praise and positive reinforcement to help him trust and feel confident.
Staff say he's put his trauma behind him and is ready for a family who can give him the love and stability he deserves.
Magda Jelinska, a behaviour and welfare advisor at the centre, has been working with Simba since he arrived.
She said: “I am so proud of Simba and how far he has come. But sadly his story is not unique - here at the RSPCA we deal with hundreds of dogs every year who need our help because of the trauma they have experienced in their past.
“Simba is a shining example of why we need to give animals a second chance and also highlights that sometimes there isn’t a quick fix. I just don’t think people realise how much love, time and effort goes into rehabilitating every animal in our care.”
Dina
Pocket Bully Dina has spent her entire young life in kennels, due to being wrapped up in a legal case. This meant she hasn't been able to experience everyday situations like other dogs in homes.
The staff describe the two-year-old pup as a 'placid soul', who is sound sensitive as she finds loud noises upsetting. Everyday noises used to worry her, but the RSPCA Felledge team, including behaviourists, worked with her to overcome this fear.
Staff say she is growing in confidence every day, especially when she is given time and patients to take things at her own pace.
The team are desperate to find the pup a home for Christmas and would be on hand pre and post adoption to help her settle in.
Luka Atkinson, deputy manager at Felledge said: “We are so proud of Dina. She's made such amazing progress with her sound sensitivity and we know that with the right owners she will continue to thrive.
“The team has done so much with her to help her overcome her sensitivities. She would find so many everyday noises concerning and would react by just shutting down, freezing with her tummy flat on the floor and not wanting to move.
"But through time, patience, positive reinforcement and enrichment she has progressed so well - we are so very proud of her."
The team shared that one of the best moments they have had with Dina is when she went for a walk and didn't worry at all - she was just happy to sniff and enjoy it.
“She is such a sweet, happy go lucky and friendly dog and she gets on well with other dogs at the centre," added Luka.
Due to Dina's behaviour needs, she will require multiple visits on site to help her build confidence with adopters before transitioning into a new home.
Recommended Reading
- Brothers banned from keeping pets after dogs found starved and covered in faeces
- County Durham author launches children's book to help with new pets at Christmas
- Suffering, abuse and dead animals - the most shocking animal cruelty cases in 2025
Both dogs are among record numbers of animals in RSPCA care this year following a surge in incidents of cruelty, neglect and abandonment.
Glenn Mayoll operations manager for the RSPCA said: “These dogs have such heart-breaking stories and have been through so much, we are determined to get them rehomed so that they can experience the love, fun and joy they so deserve.
“We just need some Christmas magic to find those special families who can offer them loving homes.
"There has been an epidemic of cruelty, abandonment and neglect cases this year and the RSPCA has rescued hundreds of animals from some of the worst situations imaginable.
“In July, the RSPCA had 1,646 dogs in its care - the highest number on record."
Visit www.rspca.org.uk
Share