What a difference a year can make.

Last January alsatian Xenor was close to death.

Neglected by his owner, emaciated and covered in excrement, he was rescued by the RSPCA. But just look at him now.

The happy hound has now recovered and is looking forward to spending Christmas with his new owner Judy Nash.

Xenor still has some on-going back problems but is showered with love at his home in Queen Street, Coggeshall.

His proud owner said: "He is a super dog. We take him to see a chiropractor for his bad back and give him lots of long walks and lots of love. It is dreadful to think of him being in those terrible conditions, especially over Christmas, but now he is on top form."

The RSPCA has urged people not to make the same mistakes as Xenor's former owner by abandoning or ill-treating their animals this Christmas.

They said animal rescue homes across the UK experience an upsurge in unwanted animals in January and February.

South-East regional manager for the RSPCA, Richard McCrow, said: "It may be the season of goodwill towards men but what about animals?

"Every year we are shocked by the complete callousness and disregard with which people treat their pets."

He continued: "It's not just animals being given as Christmas presents that we are concerned about. Pets can be dumped on the street to make way for relatives at Christmas time.

"People also go away on holiday, leaving their pets to fend for themselves. Such action is appalling. It is especially heartbreaking to see abandoned puppies and kittens being given the worst possible start in life."

Xenor's former owner Michael Fullbrook, of Gloucester Avenue, Shrub End, Colchester, admitted 15 counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals between January 24 and February 24, 1998 and having two wild pigeons on February 24, 1998.

He was banned from keeping animals for life, placed on 12 months probation and ordered to pay the RSPCA £250 on October 1 last year.

Colchester magistrates heard how Fullbrook, who was 48 at the time of the case, had been experiencing a number of problems but had been caring for the animals before the incident.

Care - Xenor with his new owner Judy Nash. Picture: SEANA HUGHES

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