Incredible transformation of rescued 'Chewbacca' dog found riddled with fleas
An abandoned dog who looks like "Chewbacca" has stunned its rescuers with his "uncanny similarity" to the Star Wars character after he was found with matted fur and covered in fleas.
The "nervous" pooch, which is believed to be a Shih Tzu poodle, was found wandering the streets in a "sorrow state" in the Braintree district area of Essex on November 5. The local council handed the frightened dog over to The RSPCA Danaher Home who have since named him "Chewie" after he underwent a makeover.
However, it took two weeks to develop his new look as he needed to settle in. Staff at the site started off with a gentle brush before he was happy for them to clip his coat.
Chewie was found in a 'sorrow state' in the Braintree district (RSPCA)Chewie also underwent a "big dental operation" after he was found with dental abscesses. Catherine Martin, who works at the centre, was the first person to see Chewie when he arrived.
She told The Mirror: “When he arrived I instantly thought he looked so much like Chewbacca - I got straight on the internal radio to tell the team - as I couldn’t believe the similarities! He has been a staff favourite ever since - and not just with the Star Wars fans! We all have a smile on our face everytime we see him.”
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Now, the dog, who is thought to be around six-years-old, is looking for his forever home with his brand new look. Sam Garvey, general manager at the centre, explained that her team are unsure of Chewie's history. Speaking about the moment she saw the adorable pooch, she said: “The poor boy’s fur was really matted all over and he did look in a sorry state - but he had this really uncanny similarity to Chewbacca, and as he didn’t have a name - we decided to call him Chewie and it just stuck! He’s only about six years old and he is quite a nervous little boy and like his namesake a little bit grumpy as well."
The pooch was compared to Chewbacca from Star Wars (Publicity Picture)Sam further said Chewie will need an adult-only home with no other dogs or cats. She also highlighted he is "under-socialised" around other dogs. But In his short time at the centre, Chewie has "really come out of his shell" and his personality is already "shining through". Sam added: “It took Chewie a few days to decompress from his ordeal and feel confident enough to approach his carers. Once he made the big brave step of approaching them there was no turning back! He loves his handlers and being by their side. Chewie is still a little nervous around new people, but with a slow approach he doesn't take long to warm up to someone and sit on their lap for a cuddle.”
Chewie has become a staff favourite (RSPCA)The manager explained how he loves to go on walks and said he also travels well. She believes he would love to embark on "adventures" with his new owners. “Chewie is such an affectionate boy. He is a dog that likes cuddling rather than playing with toys - and best of all he likes to cuddle and snuggle up to his teddy bears in his kennel," said Sam.
She continued: "Chewie's perfect home would be a quiet home with someone around most of the time - he wants to be loved and in the company of his favourite human as much as he can. But he will be any new owners’ little shadow around the home and just wants to give love and be loved!”
Chewie is one of dozens of unwanted animals who are looking for a forever home. His story comes as the RSPCA revealed abandonments are at a three-year high. The UK's leading animal charity reported a staggering 1,800 incidents last month across England and Wales - which is an increase of 48.1 per cent.
Chewie is searching for a forever home (RSPCA)The charity warned that a huge spike in pet ownership during the pandemic and the cost of living crisis created a "perfect storm" for dumpings. It further said that animals are facing a "bleak winter" as a result. Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, previously said: "Abandonment calls to our emergency line are now at a three-year high, as we respond to an increasing number of animals being given up and dumped.
Behind these shocking statistics are thousands of vulnerable animals. Each one is a valuable life in urgent need of our help. We’re desperately concerned about the coming winter months - abandonments have soared and many rescue centres are full to bursting, so we are facing an unprecedented winter crisis."
If you would like to help lift the burden and give Chewie a forever home, visit his adoption page here. RSPCA have also issued an urgent appeal to join their Christmas Rescue campaign which will help support the care for animals during winter. More information can be accessed here.
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