This terrified terrier was discovered cowering in a deep pit under a bridge after falling in – with no food or water and just hours from death.
The scruffy pooch got stuck in the steep-sided 4ft pit and was unable to escape but was rescued after eagle-eyed dock workers called the RSPCA.
A rescue officer coaxed the petrified puppy, who she has nicknamed Oliver Twist, with some cat biscuits before lifting him out of the pit.
RSPCA officer Helen Martindale Helen said: “It is amazing he was seen as the pit is well hidden underneath a road bridge.
“He was incredibly thin.
“Judging by the state of him I think he’d been there about a week – there was nothing for him to eat or drink.
“It was lucky he was spotted – he wouldn’t have survived much longer.
“I had some cat biscuits with me and he wolfed those down. He was so hungry.”
Helen rushed Oliver – who was covered with ticks and fleas – to a vets where he was given a check over.
She added: “I was really pleased when the vet said he was OK as I was worried he may have suffered liver problems as a result of not eating.
“To be told that he would be okay was the best Christmas present I could ask for.”
Oliver is recovering well but was not microchipped so the RSPCA have not been able to reunite him with his owners.
Anyone who thinks they may own Oliver or who knows how he got into the pit can contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Helen.
