The Incredible Journey of Teddy

There are hopes that the moving story of the rescue of a tiny puppy from Albania, will raise awareness of the need for animal welfare laws in the country.

During a trip to Albania at the beginning of this year, animal welfare worker Jill Proffitt and Viva! supporter, Jenny Bell, were able to save the life of 10 week old 'Teddy' and bring him back to the UK, after discovering him trapped and terrified in a slum in the town of Lezhe.

 "We decided to go for a walk, when we heard the pitiful screams and cries of a puppy," said Jill. "We ran towards the cries and ended up on a slum site, filled with shacks made from timber, metal sheets and barbed wire. To our horror a puppy was wedged between two pieces of splinted wood trying desperately to escape."

As they worked to free 'Teddy' they were confronted by a group of Albanians, who demanded money for him, even though it was clear he was sick and had been left to die.

 She added: "Nobody said how long the puppy had been subjected to this nightmare, fire works, the cold, the pain and discomfort, he was covered with open sores, had sarcoptic mange, no fur to protect his body. He was distressed beyond belief and absolutely terrified. To witness the abhorrent cruelty bestowed on a puppy was the final and absolute pinnacle of disregard of human decency."

Against the odds, Jenny (pictured with Teddy) and Jill travelled for days across eight countries- with him tucked up in a comfortable travelling pen - to get him safely to England.

Jill said: "I have never known a puppy so quiet and good, even though he had to deal with the constant irritation and discomfort of his skin. On the first night Teddy couldn't believe his luck. We had been travelling all day and by ten o'clock at night both Jenny and I were getting very tired, we eventually found a hotel. It was here we were able to start bath him in medicated animal shampoo and treat his sores. After a few days Teddy showed signs of becoming a normal puppy. He went from being frightened and cowering, to starting to look for mischief."

On arrival at Dover, Teddy was taken into the care of South West International Quarantine Kennels in Devon. He is now making a great recovery.

Sadly, Teddy's story is just an example of the plight of the neglected and abused stray animals in Albania, including dogs, cats, horses, ponies and birds. Jill and Jenny are hoping publicity of their story will help raise awareness for the desperate need of animal welfare laws.  "The plight of the stray animals and the disregard to them in Albania is dire, we have found no evidence of any animal welfare, no neutering program no shelters, or any one person who is prepared to help in the rescuing or saving of these animals," said Jill.

To read their full story and for more pictures, visit www.travelblog.org/Europe/Albania/North/blog-365194.html

For more information about Teddy's progress please write to: Jill Proffitt at the Animal Rescue Centre, Dingley Dell, East Cliff Walk, Teignmouth, Devon TQ14 8TR.

Teddy is now around five months old, his 
fur has grown back and he is fit and healthy