Neglected dog Omar’s long road to recovery

This poor pooch was a sick, flea-ridden bag of bones when authorities seized him from shocking neglect. But thanks to some TLC and a gentle new owner, things are finally looking up for Omar.

It’s been a long road for Omar but his he is finally thriving thanks to the care he received from RSPCA Victoria and his loving new owner Lindy Harris. Picture: Rob Leeson.

An abused dog who was found starved and flea-ridden has made a remarkable recovery – and is relishing his new lease on life.

Omar weighed just 18kg, had patchy, inflamed skin and pressure sores on his body when discovered by RSPCA inspectors in June last year.

The eight-year-old bull arab was put on a feeding plan for several months to regain his strength.

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RSPCA Victoria inspector Michelle Green said Omar thrived under the care of one of the clinic nurses, gaining another 14kg to bring him up to a healthy weight.

Omar weighed just 18kg when he was discovered by RSPCA inspectors in June last year.

Omar’s new owner, Lindy Harris, shuddered at the thought of her furry friend’s past.

“It‘s just horrible to think of what he went through,” she said.

The Warragul woman had visited RSPCA Victoria’s Burwood shelter intending to adopt a beagle – but she instead fell in love with Omar.

“I couldn’t go past that face,” she said.

Now Omar is all smiles and a healthy weight. Picture: Rob Leeson.

“With dogs that have been mistreated you never know how they are going to respond to you but he’s a delight.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better dog.”

Neglect was the most common form of animal cruelty reported to RSPCA Victoria in 2018-19, with thousands of creatures deprived of food, water and shelter.

Ms Harris said she was proud to give Omar a loving home in his later years, after everything he had been through.

“Adopt a senior dog if you can,” she said.

“People think that they might not have a lot of time left but they need love too.

“That goes particularly for dogs that have been through something like Omar’s experience.”

Anyone who has concerns about the welfare of an animal is encouraged to make a report by phoning 9224 2222 or visiting rspcavic.org