His name is Stinky Pete, and he was found wandering the streets all alone.
Severely emaciated. A chronic skin infection covering more than 40% of his body. Eyes weeping from a painful, untreated disease. And a deep scar carved across his muzzle.
Pete is ten years old.
A German Shorthaired Pointer who should be enjoying his twilight years curled up at home, surrounded by family, comfort, and the kind of love that comes from a long life well lived.
Instead, Pete was found abandoned by a member of the public who brought him here to us.
We may never know exactly how Pete ended up like this. But his fragile body tells the devastating story of a dog who has most likely been starved, neglected and restrained for a prolonged period of time.
Pete is in one of the worst conditions our organisation has ever witnessed. The suffering he must have endured is horrific and you would expect him to be very fearful and untrusting of people.
And yet… Pete’s spirit refuses to break.
From the moment he walked through our doors, Pete’s tail has not stopped wagging. He leans into every cuddle, tries his best to chase a ball, and looks at you with complete, unwavering trust.
“His body may be broken, but his spirit is not,” says Marisa, SCAR’s CEO and Founder.
As a stray, Pete was required to complete a mandatory holding period at the pound. Letting him go, even temporarily, was hard for our team, who have fallen hard for this special boy.
But now, we’ve finally welcomed him back into our care.
After comprehensive diagnostics and extensive blood testing at the SCAR Community Animal Hospital, Pete’s intensive rehabilitation has begun. He is now on a specialised refeeding program, carefully designed to help his fragile body recover safely from severe starvation.
The chronic skin disease Pete is suffering from causes a very strong odour, which is how he earned his affectionate nickname, Stinky Pete. As part of his treatment, he receives regular medicated baths to soothe and heal his damaged skin and help him feel more comfortable.
Pete is also on pain relief to ease the discomfort of osteoarthritis, while receiving constant veterinary care to support him every step of the way. Every day is focused on giving Pete comfort, stability, and the chance to heal.
He is so painfully thin that even lying down can be uncomfortable for him. To help, we’ve made sure his bedding is extra thick, soft and warm, giving his old, tired bones the cushioning they desperately need as he slowly begins to regain the weight he has lost. Every layer of softness brings him a little more comfort as his body begins the long journey back to health.
Pete has survived the unthinkable. Now it’s our turn to fight for him.
His recovery is going to take months, and the cost will be significant. But we are committed to giving this beautiful boy every possible chance to heal, to feel safe, and to know what it means to be loved.
Pete’s story is confronting. It is heartbreaking. But we hope you don’t look away.
Because behind the scars and the pain is a gentle, trusting soul who still believes in people.
And he needs us now more than ever.
If you are in a position to help and would like to donate towards Pete’s recovery, please donate below. Thank you!
