Staff at the Suffolk Blue Cross are looking for a loving new home for a puppy that was “dangerously emaciated” when it arrived at the centre.

Tiger, a seven-month-old brindle saluki cross, was brought to the Blue Cross rehoming centre at Wherstead because his owners could no longer care for him.

Centre manager Karina Grimwade said: “Sadly Tiger’s owners couldn’t give Tiger the ongoing care he needed and did the right thing by turning to us for help. Thankfully they took him to their local vet for treatment; otherwise he might not have survived much longer.

“Poor Tiger clearly came from an irresponsible breeder who had no concern for the puppy’s welfare. Tiger was severely malnourished and was probably too young to be away from his mum when he was sold.”

Blue Cross urges anyone looking to buy a new pet to visit their local rescue and rehoming centre or contact a responsible breeder. When buying a puppy, you should have the chance to meet both mum and dad in the home and you should also ensure the dog has seen a vet and has had all necessary treatments such as worming and vaccinations. Always insist on seeing the pet in the home and never agree to a transaction in a public place,

Karina adds: “Tiger needed a special diet and small regular meals to help him gain weight and build up muscle. He’s looking so much better now and is such a happy dog.”

Sadly, shortly after arriving at Blue Cross, Tiger sustained a fracture to his back leg whilst exercising in the paddock and required an operation at the charity’s animal hospital in Victoria, London.

Karina explains: “Tiger’s fracture was more than likely a result of him not getting the essential nutrients he needed when he was a young pup but luckily our amazing team of vets were able to help. Tiger’s been through a lot in his short life and is now looking for a family to give him all the love and cuddles he deserves.”

If you can give Tiger or another Blue Cross pet a second chance, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk or visit the Bourne Hill centre every day from 11am to 4pm apart from Wednesdays when it is closed.