This abandoned, emaciated Japanese Akita was found staggering in a streets of Trafford today (Wednesday).
A resident found the whimpering animal and handed it over to the RSPCA, who are now nursing him back to health.
The charity are now investigating how the dog, nicknamed Chester because he was found in Chestnut Walk in Partington, came to be abandoned and in such poor health.
The resident who spotted Chester on Wednesday morning, July 25, managed to hold him in her garden until RSPCA inspectors arrived.
He was then taken to the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital to be checked over.
“This poor dog was in so much discomfort,” said RSPCA animal welfare officer Steve Wickham.
“It is the first time I have ever seen a dog whimper and cry because a stethoscope is touching their skin.
“Chester is in a very poor state. Not only is he very skinny but his skin is also very sore and he has pus coming out of his eyes. He was staggering about and was trying to bite at his own skin because it was itching so much.
“Japanese Akitas are usually majestic-looking dogs so it is very sad to see one in such a poor state. The staff at the hospital gave him a steroid injection to stop the scratching, which has calmed him down a bit.
“He has clearly been neglected for some time and we are keen to find out how he came to be in this way.”
The Akita is native to Japan where the breed is highly regarded, not only for their dignified, proud looks but also for their loyalty and devotion to their owners.