Nutmeg, a Staffy cross puppy, was only two months old, but he’d already had two owners. Neither of them could care for him. A concerned neighbour called RSPCA NSW having seen that little Nutmeg’s front legs were growing bowed and crooked. 

This beautiful pup should have had a happy future ahead. But without vet treatment, he faced lifelong pain. 

Across the state, animals like Nutmeg are paying a heavy price for the cost-of-living increases. Through no fault of their own, they’re missing out on good nutrition and vet care. Some are being neglected or even abandoned. 

Unable to care for him, Nutmeg’s owner surrendered him to RSPCA NSW. 

When we rescue an animal, we never know what it will take to save them. Nutmeg had a condition called ‘bilateral carpal flexural deformity’, where there’s an imbalance between the development of the bones and tendons. For six weeks, he lived with an experienced foster carer, who gave him nourishing food and rest. Xrays back at our shelter showed he’d made a full recovery. His legs had straightened out thanks to proper nutrition, love and care. 

Nutmeg’s recovery was straightforward, but still required weeks in our care. Other animals need surgery, medication and support for behavioural issues. 

Please give an animal like Nutmeg your support, no matter how straightforward or complex their needs may be.