THIS malnourished German shepherd dog was one of two left fighting for their lives and covered in their own excrement when they were rescued.

Rolf was so weak that RSPCA inspectors had to pick him up off the floor because he could not stand. He was on a drip for a week and is currently being kept under a heat lamp so that he can remain warm.

Brookend Boarding Kennels, in Stocks Lane, Leigh Sinton, near Malvern, has seven dogs in need of new owners and homes, but it is looking for someone extra special to give Rolf and his kennel mate Katie a fresh start in life.

The inspectors took Katie to the centre last week, but Rolf was so ill he had to spend a number of days at the vet's and eventually joined Katie earlier this week.

The inspectors later discovered her five-month-old puppy Saphie, who is now with the pair.

She had not been starved.

Les Childs, who owns Brookend Boarding Kennels said: "Katie was flea infested and both were covered in their own excrement and urine.

"Rolf can now stand, but is too weak to bark or walk.

"He is absolutely gorgeous, but it was touch and go if he would live or not, It's just disgusting. Why treat an animal like this? Why not just re-home them?"

Both Katie - thought to be aged about three - and Walt, believed to be about six-years-old, were starved to about half their correct body weight. Slowly they have begun to put on weight after being taken to the kennels.

"They now think they have died and gone to heaven," added Mr Childs. "They are very soft natured dogs.

"We want to see responsible people who will give them a good home to contact us.

"The dogs we have are home dogs and would make great pets and companions."

The kennels cares for canines which have been rescued by the RSPCA. Anyone who is interested in re-homing the dogs, or making a donation to the Worcester branch of the RSPCA can call the centre on 01886 833665.