Stray puppy found wandering the streets of Sevenoaks is given a new life thanks to Battersea Brands Hatch rescue centre

A stray puppy suffering from one of the worst skin infections a local rescue centre had seen in a very long time has been nursed back to health thanks to the work of the dedicated staff.

DOG’S LIFE: Possum pictured on the road to recovery at Battersea Brands Hatch

Possum, who was named because of his resemblance to the native Australian animal, was taken into Battersea Brands Hatch after he was found wandering the streets in Sevenoaks.

The puppy, estimated to be around 12-14 weeks old, was covered in scabs and open sores – a result of sarcoptic mange, a highly infectious skin disease. He was immediately quarantined by Battersea’s veterinary team and put on a course of medication.

Kathryn Davenport, Rehoming & Welfare Co-ordinator at the Brands Hatch centre, said: “Possum’s case was one of the worst skin conditions we’d seen in a long time at Battersea and it was a long road to recovery – it took almost two months for his skin to heal.”

Keen to ensure the puppy could experience as normal a life as possible, Kathryn fostered him in her own home. She added: “Despite the discomfort he had to endure, he is such a loving and playful puppy. We were so pleased he found a new home in Sevenoaks with a family that could look past his scars and see him for the wonderful dog he is. Rescue animals may not be perfect, but they’re definitely worth it.”

Battersea launched its new campaign, ‘Rescue is Our Favourite Breed’, last month to celebrate rescue animals and their individual quirks.

The rescue home first opened its doors to unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats on 26 October 1999, and to mark its 20th anniversary, Battersea Brands Hatch held a special open day on Friday 25 October to give supporters an exclusive look behind the scenes.

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