Badger the dog from Stockton looking for foster family

Badger, a large crossbreed, was found by chance after a dog walker noticed him after happening upon a partially open hole in the ground after luckily taking a new route on Phoenix Sidings in Stockton on Friday (April 12).

Following efforts by a dogwalker, the RSPCA and Cleveland Fire Brigade, the pooch was rescued and brought to vets to be treated.

Badger’s skin had been blistered by the contaminated water at the bottom of the shaft, and the RSPCA said had to be fed using a feeding tube.

Jacqui Paterson, owner and veterinary surgeon, said he is now making a “good recovery” and added the vets have loved having him around.

She said: “Badger is making a good recovery but these things have to be done very slowly.

“For all the trauma he’s been through he’s a lovely dog and starting to come out of his shell wanting cuddles and giving a paw.

“It’s really rewarding to be part of his journey.’

The vets are now looking for a foster family for Badger after his ordeal and have urged those interested to contact the RSPCA.

They have advised that a first-time dog foster may not be suitable for the role.

They said: "Thank you to everyone who has sent Badger their kind words, well wishes, gifts and donations. 

"We have been humbled by your response to Badger's story.

"Our team have been inundated with kind offers to give him a foster home or a forever home when the time is right for him. 

"Badger will need a very special person to match his very special personality.

"If you are wanting more information on the process to become the next part in Badger's journey or you can open your arms to foster any other animal then please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1238018."

RSPCA officers believe Badger has been stuck at the bottom of the shaft for a number of days – and believe Badger could even have been down there for a week.

They added he had blisters on the inside of his mouth, likely resulting from drinking the contaminated water, which they believe saved his life.

Inspector Krissy Raine said: “He was up to his neck and could barely keep his head above the water. He was giving up in front of our eyes and it was a real race against time.”

“Badger couldn’t stand but he’s a huge dog, even though he was clearly underweight, so we wrapped him in a big towel like a stretcher and it took four of us to carry him to my van.

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“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the man who found Badger and called us for help, as well as the fire crew who got him out of the sh

“We all need to work together to help create a kinder world for every animal and each act of kindness makes a difference; Badger’s life has been saved thanks to everyone who pulled together to help him.”

Here are some more pictures of Badger as he continues his recovery: