http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2011/november/23/missing_dog.

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News: KentOnline, Abandoned dog RSPCA investigates dumped lurcher in Hartley

Dumped dog Reuben was abandoned in Hartley.

A starving dog so thin its bones were sticking through the skin has been dumped in a Kent road. Charity workers from the RSPCA are appealing for information after the male lurcher - named Reuben by RSPCA staff - was left for dead in Church Road, Hartley at around 4pm on Sunday. He weighed half the normal body weight for a dog of his size and was suffering from a skin condition. He was so thin his bones had broken through his skin and he was suffering from fur loss.

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"This is the thinnest dog I've ever seen " Christine Dooley, Leybourne centre manager

Now Reuben is recovering at the RSPCA Leybourne animal centre near West Malling. Centre manager Christine Dooley said: "This is the thinnest dog I've ever seen. "After two days in our care he weighed just 8kg. "The vet has told us that it will cost around 1,000 to treat him and we are appealing to the public for help with this." RSPCA inspector Jo Barber said: "This poor dog was simply abandoned in this dreadful state. We would like to hear from anyone who knows who he belonged to and who dumped him." Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 03001234999. Anyone who would like to make a donation towards Reuben's care can send it to the Friends of RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre, Castle Way, West Malling, ME19 5HW. Wednesday, November 23 2011 Rodney wrote: We are the people who found this poor dog, it broke mine and my childrens hearts. It was on a Sunday late afternoon and could not get support or help from police, dog wardens and the RSPCA have a recorded number advising you to call the dog wardens. We were so concerned and worried about him, it was suggested by the council after hours helpline to call a local kennels. He was loved, cherished and cared for with warmth, food and water over night until we could get to the RSPCA at Leybourne the following day. Once there he was whisked away to the vets.

I then for days tried to contact the RSPCA for information as to his well being and asked for details for donations too, to no avail. We then went in person at the weekend to enquire too, we asked to be advised of any progress and information through utter concern, to no avail again. I am therefore over the moon to see Lucky as my children named him, as he was lucky we found him and loved him if only for 24 hours to be re-united with his family, he was a delight to care for a is a beautiful animal who is gentle and loving and a survivor. I am glad that we now have news and can all rest, knowing he is on the mend and back with his family. 28 Nov 2011 7:31 PM Susie wrote: Delighted this poor dog can be reunited with its owners and trust he will make a good recovery. Animal cruelty is the worst trait of human nature. I fail to understand how or why people can be cruel to animals. The other thing I don't understand is why the RSPCA appealed for funds to help this dog. They're a very wealthy organisation and if you'll excuse my cynicism use poor creatures like this to appeal for funds to add to their coffers.