A puppy found abandoned in the snow in Smethwick has been given a new lease on life with a loving family, following its rescue by the RSPCA.

The young Staffordshire bull terrier cross was initially named Merry by rescuers due to being found during the festive season.

The dog was first found amongst snow-covered fly-tipped rubbish near Vittoria Street in Smethwick at the end of November 2024.

Subsequently, the dog who had a temporary name of Merry was rushed for urgent veterinary treatment at RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital where she was treated with antibiotics. She was found to have a lump on her stomach and blood in her urine.

Since treatment, the small puppy was returned to full health and was rehomed by Jo Williams and partner Simon as well as daughter Lily.

Jo Williams said: “I had lost my previous dog Daisy weeks before and had never been without a dog so I was looking for a rescue and then I saw her story and told my partner he said - ‘well you have to get her’. We have three cats so whatever dog I chose needed to be cat friendly and we knew she was.

“We were so saddened to hear how she had been dumped in those freezing conditions and knew she deserved a lovely home. We applied to the RSPCA and know they were inundated with applications so we were thrilled when we were picked.

“She is doing so well - she is a boisterous and loving girl. She loves being around other dogs but because she is quite large we have to be careful she doesn’t bump into them when playing but she is so amazing. She loves snuggles and fuss. She also likes playing with the cats - who also love a game of chase.”

Animal rescuer Charlotte Holder who was called to help Nellie at the time said: “It was so lucky she was spotted as she was trying to shelter under some rubbish in the snow or I dread to think what would have happened to her. The person who found her could see her stomach injury so reported the matter to us.

“We were unable to find the person responsible but I am so glad we were able to bring Nellie to safety and she now has the loving home she deserves. We are dealing with a surge in abandonments at the moment and as our branches and centres are full to bursting we really need the public’s support more than ever to help us save more pets like Nellie.”

Latest figures show that throughout the whole of December 2025, there were 1,919 reports of abandoned animals, taking the year total for 2025 to 27,964 - up 19% on last year.