A “loving" and "gentle” dog from the North East who was “emaciated due to starvation" at just 18 months old is now "unrecognisable" from the “skin and bones” she used to be.

Springer spaniel Lola was rescued by the team at RSPCA Northumberland West branch in September 2023 after being taken to a local vet.

Sadly, a second dog (a cocker spaniel called Charlie) had been taken in deceased as they’d both been starved.

A vet who examined both dogs said Lola was “emaciated due to starvation” and she was signed over into the RSPCA’s care.

Lola was rescued towards the end of last year with another dog called CharlieLola was rescued towards the end of last year with another dog called Charlie (Image: RSPCA)

She weighed just 6.2kg (13.7lb) and had a body condition score of one (whereby an ideal score is four or five out of nine, and one is extremely underweight).

But since being taken in by the RSPCA, Lola has been adopted by Louise and Josh from Newcastle.

Louise commented: “Lola is the most loving, trusting and gentle dog. Despite everything she’s been through she just wants to be friends with every dog and human she meets.

“When we first adopted Lola she was so curious about the world; it was as if she’d not had much experience of it. She was initially uncertain about swimming but now loves it and gets into water as much as possible.”

Lola enjoys swimming in the sea, going on hiking adventures and snoozing on the sofa with her new family.

Lola enjoys swimming in the seaLola enjoys swimming in the sea (Image: RSPCA)

Louise added: “On weekends we’re usually away climbing and hiking, and Lola has become our perfect adventure buddy. It’s so wonderful to see the joy she gets from running free. After a busy day of adventures, she loves to snuggle up on the sofa beside us.

“We feel so lucky to have adopted Lola into our family and can’t imagine life without her. We are incredibly grateful to the RSPCA for all they do, and for rescuing Lola and trusting us to give her the life she deserves.”

RSPCA inspector Lucy Green rescued Lola and investigated her case. She said: “Charlie and Lola’s case was heartbreaking, and we were all devastated that Charlie couldn’t be saved.

“Both dogs were so thin; Lola was practically just skin and bone. But seeing her now, the picture of health, is unbelievable and so rewarding. To see her recover and now flourish in her new home has been absolutely amazing.

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“She looks so happy and healthy, and is truly living the very best life. She’s so lucky to have survived and to now be part of such a loving family. This is why I do this job; to help animals like Lola escape cruelty and neglect, and have a chance at a happy life with people who love her.

“We receive more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year. That’s why we’ve launched the RSPCA No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal because it’s vital that we all take action together to help animals.

“If you believe that no animal deserves cruelty, please donate now to help animals as abuse reaches its awful peak this summer. By working together we can create a world that’s kinder for all animals.”