Elderly dog left bald by skin condition needs a new home in Chesterfield

An elderly dog left bald after suffering a flea infestation and skin disease is hoping to find a new home in the Chesterfield area.
Harley is looking for a new home.Harley is looking for a new home.
Harley is looking for a new home.

When 14-year-old ‘golden hearted’ German Shepherd Harley arrived at the RSPCA Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Branch in April, his appearance was proof of the tough life he’d led.

Animal care manager Gary Taylor said: “Harley is absolutely beautiful - though not necessarily in the most conventional ways.

Read More
Nest found in Chesterfield town centre bus stop
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But life hasn’t been as kind to Harley as he deserved and the state of him when he first entered our care was testament to that.

“When he arrived you could count each one of his vertebrae from the other side of the room. His skin was taut over his exposed ribs and he was, for the most part, bald. His body was blotchy and raw in places. He staggered and stumbled. His eyes were sunken.

“He was at his lowest ebb but he remained strong. And he’s come on so much since.”

Harley was rescued by RSPCA officers in April and staff have since spent three months building up his strength and teaching him to trust people again.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Now the real Harley has been able to shine through. He plays and bounces now. He’s gentle and loving. At other times he’s playful and silly, clever and cuddly. He nuzzles into you and buries his nose into your lap. He loves socialising, being scratched and cuddled.”

Harley loves being with people and also gets on well with other calm dogs. He walks well on the lead, is house-trained and knows lots of basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’.

He loves toys and treats but can be a bit greedy and often scrounges for snacks. He’s looking for a home with children aged over 10 and could live with another dog but would be best with a family with no other pets like cats or small furries as he likes to chase!

“Harley is such a unique, amazing boy and desperately deserves a loving home,” Gary added. “You will never regret allowing Harley into your life. It would be all the richer for it.”

For more information on Harley, call the branch on 01246 273358.

Related topics: