Neglected puppy found fly-tipped in the snow on Smethwick street finds loving new home

The young Staffordshire bull terrier cross, later named Merry by rescuers, was discovered near Vittoria Street in Smethwick at the end of November 2024 by a passer-by. 

She had been left amongst snow-covered scrap and rubbish in freezing conditions.

The puppy was found to be suffering from a lump on her stomach and blood in her urine and was rushed to the RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital for urgent treatment. 

Vets treated her with antibiotics and, following specialist care, she made a full recovery.

Now, just over a year after she was rescued, the pup has been rehomed with Jo Williams, her partner Simon and their 11-year-old daughter Lily, who live in Redditch. The family renamed the dog Nellie.

Ms Williams said she had been looking to adopt after losing her previous dog weeks earlier.

Jo Williams said: “I had lost my previous dog Daisy weeks before and had never been without a dog so I was looking for a rescue and then I saw her story and told my partner he said - ‘well you have to get her’. We have three cats so whatever dog I chose needed to be cat friendly and we knew she was.

“We were so saddened to hear how she had been dumped in those freezing conditions and knew she deserved a lovely home. We applied to the RSPCA and know they were inundated with applications so we were thrilled when we were picked.

“She is doing so well - she is a boisterous and loving girl. She loves being around other dogs but because she is quite large we have to be careful she doesn’t bump into them when playing but she is so amazing. She loves snuggles and fuss. She also likes playing with the cats - who also love a game of chase.

“She even sleeps with one of the cats at night - called  Bella - who seems to be her best friend and the pair of them are often found laid together on our bed with their toys scattered around them.

“She had a lovely Christmas and I really hope she doesn’t remember any of what happened and just has happy memories now.”

RSPCA animal rescuer Charlotte Holder, who attended the scene, described the situation as deeply upsetting. Holder returned to the site to check whether any other animals had been abandoned, but luckily, none were found.

She said : “It was so lucky she was spotted as she was trying to shelter under some rubbish in the snow or I dread to think what would have happened to her. The person who found her could see her stomach injury so reported the matter to us.

“We were unable to find the person responsible but I am so glad we were able to bring Nellie to safety and she now has the loving home she deserves. 

"We are dealing with a surge in abandonments at the moment and as our branches and centres are full to bursting we really need the public’s support more than ever to help us save more pets like Nellie.”

Latest figures show there were 1,919 reports of abandoned animals in December 2025 alone, bringing the total for the year to 27,964 — a 19% increase on the previous year. 

The rise has prompted concern about a difficult winter for animals and led the RSPCA to launch an urgent fundraising appeal, The Big Give Back to Animals.

The charity is also encouraging struggling pet owners to seek help through welfare organisations, its cost of living support hub, and more than 200 pet food banks nationwide. 

Guidance is available for the public on what to do if they find an abandoned animal on the RSPCA website.