Petal is in search of her first ever home

A small, dirty kennel was all poor Petal could call home until she was rescued by Blue Cross.

Used as a commodity, she had been kept in appalling conditions and was forced to have multiple litters.

When she arrived at our Hertfordshire rehoming centre, she was underweight, had wounds along her back and was suffering from dental disease as well as other health issues.

Most worryingly, a vet check revealed that Petal had multiple mammary masses, or breast lumps.

The nine-year-old dog underwent surgery to remove the tumours, as well as 18 decaying teeth.

A small number of the lumps were found to be cancerous, but most were benign, and vets are optimistic about Petal’s future now that all the masses have been removed.

Despite everything that Petal has been through, she is doing well and has grown to love human company. 

Although shy of new people, once she builds trust she wants to be ‘best friends’.  And the Hertfordshire team has become particularly fond of what they call her ‘happy dance’ when she’s excited.

Finally, after all of her setbacks, she's ready to find a new home.

Gemma Ayling, Animal Welfare Assistant, says: “Petal is a comical little character who loves rolling around in sniffs on her walks. She will make a lovely companion if owners are able to give her a hands-off approach and an understanding of her previous life.

“It’s been a steady journey seeing her come out of her shell after a life of confinement, but it was so worth it to watch her confidence grow and character come to life. It’s been a pleasure helping her at the centre and the kennel team are so excited that she’s now ready to find her new home”.

Due to Petal’s health background, her new owner will need to regularly check her chest for any further lumps and bumps.

Early neutering in female dogs can help prevent the likelihood of mammary masses and breast cancer.