Battersea dog rescue appears before a TV audience
By Maeve Cullinan
A Battersea Dogs Home rescue has appeared before a TV audience on a royal special of ITV’s Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs.
Lyra – a Husky cross – was rescued by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home after contracting a deadly infection.
Surviving against all odds, she was taken on a trip to Clarence House to meet Her Majesty The Queen Consort to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the charity, and showcase its efforts towards animal care and protection.
Lyra was living on the streets when she contracted parvovirus – a highly contagious and potentially fatal infection that is easily preventable if vaccinated.
After being rescued by the charity, she was refusing food, was severely underweight and lethargic. It was expected she would not survive until Christmas.
Miraculously, after undergoing medical treatments, the puppy pulled through.
A Battersea vet said: “Lyra went through so much, and while she was weak and suffering from the aftereffects of having parvovirus, we were all very worried about her future.
“However, thanks to the hard work of the clinic team here at Battersea, Lyra fought against the odds, recovered from the complications of Parvovirus and is growing into a happy and healthy young dog.
“Dogs like Lyra prove that while rescue animals aren’t always perfect, they are certainly worth it and have so much life to live.
“She has found a loving home with Chloe Davis and her partner in north London, where she is now set to enjoy her first Christmas.
Lyra’s story is featured on Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs- A Royal Special, which aired on Monday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Pictured top: Lyra (Picture: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home)