Ep 5. Episode 5
- November 5, 2013
- 22 min
The Dog Rescuers is a television series that follows the work of the RSPCA inspectors as they save and rehabilitate dogs all across England. In episode 5, viewers are presented with a heartwarming and heartbreaking journey of rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming.
The episode begins with RSPCA Inspector Claire Little receiving a call about a stray dog found in a field with a massive tumor on its leg. The tumor is so large that the dog cannot walk, and it is obvious that it has been living with the tumor for some time. Inspector Claire takes the dog to the vet, and they discover that it is a female Labrador Retriever who is approximately ten years old. Further examination reveals that the tumor is cancerous, and the dog will need her leg amputated to survive.
The decision to amputate a dog's leg is always a difficult one, but in this case, it is the only way to save the Labrador's life. Inspector Claire coordinates with the vet to have the surgery done and takes the Labrador back to the RSPCA animal hospital to recover. The episode shows the Labrador undergoing the amputation and then follows her as she learns to walk on three legs. The dog's sweet temperament and joyful spirit despite her circumstances make her a favorite among the staff and volunteers at the animal hospital.
Meanwhile, Inspector Lisa Lupson responds to a call about three dogs found abandoned in a house after their owner was evicted. The dogs, a Great Dane, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and a Jack Russell Terrier, have been left without food or water for several days, and the house is in a state of disarray. Inspector Lisa gains access to the house and finds the dogs in varying states of distress. The Great Dane has lost a significant amount of weight, and all three dogs are in desperate need of water.
Inspector Lisa takes the dogs to the RSPCA animal hospital, where they are given food, water, and a medical examination. The Great Dane's condition is especially concerning, and the vets suspect that he may have cancer. The episode follows the vets as they perform tests on the Great Dane to determine the extent of his illness.
As the episode progresses, viewers see the progress of the Labrador as she learns to walk on three legs and gradually gains weight and strength. Inspector Claire takes the dog to meet a potential adopter, a single mother with two young children who has recently lost her own dog. The episode shows the family falling in love with the Labrador and deciding to adopt her.
Back at the animal hospital, the Great Dane's tests reveal that he does indeed have cancer and that it has spread to his liver and lungs. The vets determine that the kindest option for the dog is to put him to sleep, and Inspector Lisa is tasked with delivering the news to his potential adopter. The episode shows the heart-wrenching scene of Inspector Lisa informing the adopter that the Great Dane will not be coming home with them.
The final segment of the episode follows Inspector Claire as she responds to a call about a dog found tied to a post in a park. The dog, a Lurcher, is malnourished and covered in sores. Inspector Claire takes the dog to the animal hospital, where she receives medical attention and begins her rehabilitation. The episode ends with the Lurcher on the road to recovery, and viewers are left feeling hopeful for her future.
Throughout Season 1 of The Dog Rescuers, viewers are given an inside look into the daily work of the RSPCA inspectors as they save and care for dogs in desperate need. Episode 5 is no exception, providing a tear-jerking and heartwarming story of rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming that will leave viewers inspired to help animals in their own communities.