A big thankyou has gone out to animal lovers who came to the rescue of two dogs which it was feared were destined for the dog bait market.

Cambs Times: Ravenswood Pet Rescue take in matted dogs from LondonRavenswood Pet Rescue take in matted dogs from London (Image: Archant)

The lhasa apso father and son were in the worst neglected groomed condition of any dog that Ravenswood Pet Rescue has ever seen.

Thanks to a Facebook plea for help a host of local dog groomers came forward to offer their services for free - and after a four hour session, Rebecca Mackie of Skylark based Mackie’s Mutts, helped put the boys on the first step of their road to recovery.

The success story comes as the rescue group put out a plea for volunteers and donated goods for a new fund raising shop they are launching at Walpole Highway at the end of this month.

Volunteer Shelley Ridgeon said: “A friend saw the dogs were advertised on Facebook as “free to a good home”. The neglected state they were in means it was likely they would end up being taken for bait for dog fighting. Small dogs are the favourite for bait. It is appalling.

Cambs Times: Ravenswood Pet Rescue take in two matted dogs from LondonRavenswood Pet Rescue take in two matted dogs from London (Image: Archant)

“If ever we see a free to good home advert it often does not end well for the dogs concerned.

“The pair were brought back here from London by a friend but we knew we needed to get them groomed. They haven’t been touched for years.”

The pair, which have been named Corky and Tillkum, and thought to be six and four years old, could not see because their hair was matted over their eyes.

Mrs Ridgeon said: “This is why Ravenswood are opening their fund raising second hand shop to help dogs like this.”

Cambs Times: Ravenswood Pet Rescue - the dogs after they have been treated to a four hour grooming sessionRavenswood Pet Rescue - the dogs after they have been treated to a four hour grooming session (Image: Archant)

The rescue group is headed up by Caroline Trigg, dog warden for Fenland District Council, and joined by a team of local foster carers who are appealing for coats for the new lassa apshos, goods to sell in the shop, adult dog and puppy food, more foster carers and volunteers to help staff the shop which is hoped to open four days a week.

Mrs Ridgeon said: “The facebook post was a huge success. Thanks to everybody who gave help.”

Collection points for goods are in March, Wisbech or Chatteris. Items can be collected - including large furniture items. Call the non profit making organisation on 0844-555-5987.