‘Extraordinary’ transformation of dog left for dead on hard rubbish pile

Staghound Atticus was unable to lift his head, stand or eat when he was dumped on a hard rubbish pile and left to die. But after a miraculous recovery, the plucky five-year-old is ready to find his forever home.

Atticus, the miracle dog whose tale of survival warmed the hearts of Victorians, is ready to find his fur-ever home.

The five-year-old staghound weighed just 12kg when he was found dumped and left for dead on a pile of hard rubbish in a suburban street in Melbourne’s northwest in late June.

Unable to lift his head, stand or eat, Atticus was rushed to the Lost Dogs’ Home where he began lifesaving treatment.

Vet Nurse Melissa Horwood with Atticus during his recovery. Picture: Jason Edwards

The Herald Sun first documented Atticus’ heartbreaking plight in early July, described by animal rescuers as one of the worst cases of animal cruelty they had seen.

Vets believed Atticus – infested with fleas and lice and weighing less than half his recommended weight – had been starved for more than six weeks and was likely relying on drinking rainwater and eating dirt to survive.

At the time Lost Dogs’ Home Director of Veterinary Services Jessica Wilde described Atticus’ will to live as “just extraordinary”.

Vets had expected Atticus’ recovery would take up to eight weeks.

Atticus has packed his bags, ready to move to his forever home. Picture: Jason Edwards

Atticus loves running, jumping, playing and sleeping. Picture: Jason Edwards

But now it can be revealed that after just five weeks Atticus will be ready for adoption from Monday, exceeding the expectations of those around him.

His foster carer Jamie Nichols, who has endured many sleepless nights, said it was a “true reflection of the fighter he is”.

“He is ready to get the love he deserves,” she said.

“It’s been a miracle to watch how quickly he has responded to 24-hour care. He is now running, jumping, playing, sleeping on the couch and doing all the normal things that doggies do.

“He loves sitting on the couch and he has commandeered the top spot for himself.”

Ms Nichols said Atticus had adapted well to living with people again, and would best suit someone who can work from home or is retired.

“He is very much a people dog. He’d love to live somewhere with a big backyard,” she said.

Atticus has exceeded the expectations of vets during his recovery. Picture: Lost dogs home

Lost Dogs’ Home Animal Program Manager Jade Currie said the search is on for a loving home.

“Atticus needs a home where his adopter can continue his rehabilitation both physically and mentally, this will require someone who is totally committed to Atticus and now the search is on for that very special person or family,” she said.

“It will be someone who will be able to stay home with Atticus and make him feel safe and secure.”

More information: dogshome.com