Happy ending for Staffy Ziggy, the dog shot in the head with a crossbow

Ziggy rehomed - crossbow dog has happy ending he deserves (Image: Archant)

It was touch-and-go when the two-year-old Staffy was found with the 20 inch carbon fibre bolt going through his head in October in remote woods near Wansford, Peterborough.

Incredibly, the arrow had deflected off his skull avoiding his brain, and narrowly missed his ears and eyes by mere millimetres, so veterinary surgeons were able to delicately pull it out.

Now he has found his happy ending with new owners Dominic O’Hare, 25, and his girlfriend Anna Burton-Wood, 27, both from Watford.

They first heard about Ziggy’s story through a Tweet from a newspaper and knew straight away that he was the one for them

Ziggy with his new owner Dominic O'Hare. (Image: Archant)

Mr O’Hare said: “I caught sight of the infamous image of Ziggy with a bolt through his head - and as a dog lover just had to click on the story - right away.

“It is hard to say what it was exactly in his story which made me know he was the dog for us - but I think what got me the most was the way he just went up to those people in the woods with a wagging tail.

“Despite what had been done to him he was so open, so trusting. It just showed what sort of a dog he was, I think, what character he had.

“I sent it straight to my girlfriend and we just had the same feeling - the same immediate impulse - that we wanted to adopt him. Anna phoned up straight away and was told there had been about 60 or so calls that day from people wanting him.

“But I just kept on calling, every two weeks, then every week, and eventually persistence paid off. I think they realised quite how much we wanted him. We finally took him home on December 20. It was important for us to get him home with us in time for Christmas Day.

“As soon as we met him, I knew everything I had thought was true. He is just a big softie.”

RSPCA inspector Justin Stubbs, who rescued Ziggy, said: “I am delighted he has found such a suitable home after the harrowing experience he went through.

“I know he has now found people who can love him for the special dog he is.

“I have seen some things in my job, but this case will always stand out for me. It just bewildered me how someone could aim and fire at a dog at such callous close range.

“It then just amazed me how Ziggy stayed so trusting and affectionate regardless of the ordeal. I will never forget him sitting there, wagging his tail at me, with a crossbow through his head.

“This is why we do the job we do - to see happy endings like this. It makes it all worthwhile.”

To assist RSPCA inspectors in carrying out their vital work text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (texts cost £3 + one standard network rate message).