A Happy Ending For A Homeless Pooch

16 August 2019

International Homeless Animals Day has given us the perfect opportunity to revisit one of our favourite stories – and proves that there can be hope for homeless hounds.

The tragic tale of Paddy The Pooch touched the nation’s hearts back in 2016 when we shared his battle for survival after a terrible accident.

A badly injured Paddy was found lying in the road by bus driver Ben Welsh, who took the poorly stray to Medivet South Ockendon. Paddy’s injuries were so severe he needed specialist treatment and was transferred to Medivet 24 Hour Hendon for life-saving surgery on a broken back.

As he clung to life, the team at Hendon tried in vain to find Paddy’s owners. Posts across social media proved fruitless but Paddy’s story went viral with hundreds of thousands of shares. Animal lovers from across the country were gripped by updates of the Patterdale Terrier’s long road to recovery and gifts and get well cards poured in.

With no sign of any owners, the staff took Paddy under their wing during months of recovery and physiotherapy. Paddy formed a particular bond with veterinary nurse Jodie Lester, who eventually adopted Paddy.

Three years later and the pair are inseparable. Five-year-old Paddy made a full recovery thanks to the care and dedication of our teams at Medivet South Ockendon and Medivet 24 Hour Hendon and, of course, to Jodie.