A ST BERNARD that was living in appalling conditions in Cyprus caught the heart of a dog lover who raised money to have him flown home.
Natalie Luckhurst and partner Kyle Suddaby couldn't resist Basil when he caught their eye on a campaign Facebook page led by Cyprus Voice For Animals.
Basil was kept in Dali Pound, Nicosia, for eight months and lived in a 3 x 1 metre cage. The two-year-old dog was fed little food and dropped to 49kg – his ideal weight should be 70kg plus.
This resulted in Basil being unable to even sit down because he was suffering from severe muscle wastage because he wasn't exercised.
Natalie and her mum Anne-Marie, campaigned for Basil's freedom on the social networking site and asked Stella Stylianou of Argos Animal Rescue & Protection Association to intervene by approaching the Mayor of Cyprus and demanding the dog should be released.
Natalie, 21, from Laceby said: "We had to raise around £1,000 to have Basil back to health and to the UK.
"He was left to sit in his own excrement, and had no water nor food for long periods of time. At one point he was even chained up out in the sun.
"My mum has three St Bernards, so I know the breed well and when I saw his face I fell in love with him.
"This is the first time I have rescued a dog, and he has taken to living in the UK very well and he isn't bothered by the temperature difference.
"After such abuse you would think he would be nervous – but he is very relaxed and enjoying life."
Natalie, who works at the Royal British Legion in Laceby, is thinking about setting up a dog walking business.
"I want to create a business walking dogs because I think there will be a lot of demand for it in the area," she added.
Anne-Marie said Basil had to be lifted off the plane using a fork-lift truck due to his size.
"We had to have a crate specially made for him which cost £350 and then we had to get him a pet passport which was £550," she said.
"He will be now fed good quality food to put his weight on, and will be regularly exercised.
"Before Basil was flown he was vetted and socialised with other dogs.
"He is a lovely character and has adapted really well."
The mother and daughter team would like to thank all the people who raised money for Basil, and who helped with his recovery.
