With 2013 drawing to a close, I thought it rather fitting to share a tale, received last week, from a lady called Rosie at Ryedale Dog Rescue.

Her story began on Christmas Day 2012, when an emaciated Staffordshire bull terrier was found on a beach by a policeman.

Weighing only half the expected weight for a dog of this breed, the stray was taken to the council pound, where he was spotted by volunteers from Ryedale Dog Rescue.

It was decided, at this point, that if he survived the next seven days, which is the mandatory claiming period for stray dogs, the Staffie would be taken into the rescue to be rehomed. Given the time of year, he was named Noel.

Unfortunately, overnight Noel was attacked by another dog, thus sustaining life threatening injuries which included damage to spinal vertebrae, swollen intestines, a severe crush injury to his head and numerous bites.

Unable to take fluids or food by mouth, Noel was put onto an intravenous drip and given antibiotics and painkillers.

Several days later, things were still not looking good. He could barely stand, was still unable to eat or drink and his time was spent staring blankly into space, without showing any flicker of recognition or emotion.

After a week with no sign of improvement, Ryedale Dog Rescue asked if they could give him one last chance and Noel was moved to their regular veterinary surgery.

The journey through thick snow to collect him was horrendous, but it turned out to be the best decision they could have made.

With intestines still swollen from being so badly shaken by his attacker, Noel was still struggling to keep food and water down, which necessitated a special food with a strict regime of one teaspoonful an hour.

Three days later, Noel was allowed to leave the surgery and so with his veterinary team on standby, he was taken home to continue his convalescence with Rosie, armed with two carrier bags full of medication, a detailed instruction chart and, of course, his magic food.

A large crate was set up by the Aga and covered in a blanket to make a secure den for the painfully thin and frail invalid.

Noel showed no response when he was greeted by Rosie’s labrador, but never the less, the lab became his constant companion, spending much time lying next to the cage where he could keep an eye on the proceedings.

The early days were hard for everyone as, unable to accept cuddles or any display of affection, it became apparent that Noel’s injuries went a lot deeper than the eye could see, but eventually a slight improvement was noticed.

Slowly, he began to be weaned off his medication and we knew that the time was fast approaching when he would begin, at last, to stand on his own four paws.

Day by day, Noel was obviously feeling better and his wonderful character began to shine through.

He started venturing out into the yard with his labrador friend, but if he heard another dog bark, would hurry back indoors and hide.

By April, little Noel had started to gain weight and could eat normal kibble and meat in small amounts, which was a massive step forward.

His damaged spine meant that he had a wonky gait when he ran but that didn’t matter, he was alive, pain free and happy.

In the past, Rosie had always warned new volunteers that “there’ll always be one that you can’t let go”

and for her Noel was that one. The thought of anyone ever raising their voice to him filled her with dread and so a decision was made and Noel was officially adopted.

By September he began to play “tuggy” and chase after a ball, with his funny little swagger endearing him to everyone he met.

Surviving against all the odds, it is hard to believe how far has this little guy has come in only 12 months.

Granted, he has some funny little quirks, remnants perhaps from his previous life? Tricks such as opening the kitchen bin lid or making a nest in a heap of plastic carrier bags when the shopping is being unpacked.

He also likes to drink out of a running hosepipe and if given a treat, will always run away into another room to hide and eat it.

Undoubtedly, this happy little chap will have a loving home for the rest of his life but if, by any chance, the police man who picked up an emaciated little dog on a beach on Christmas Day 2012 is reading this and would like to get in touch, I know a lady who would welcome the chance to say “thank you”, on behalf of Noel, her Christmas Staffie.