Passage West wonder dog 'Podge' wins national award after tough start in life

Blind and deaf former 'street dog' dog, Podge Lotti from Cork, was honoured at a recent national awards ceremony.

The awards aim to recognise some of Ireland’s most inspiring pets, animal advocates, rescue organisations and pet-friendly businesses.

Podge Lotti from Passage West, a blind and deaf terrier-mix, was honoured with the rescue pet award for his transformation from a neglected stray to a thriving family companion.

Straying on the streets

He had been found straying on the streets of the midlands by a dog warden. When examined, Podge had several rotten teeth, a wounded gum, and was shaking 'non-stop', but after several surgeries and the discovery of a loving home, he has now blossomed into a happy, confident pet for his Cork owners.

Speaking to The Echo, Vince Lotti said he and his partner Lisa O’Sullivan decided to enter the awards one evening as they were sitting on the couch at home, watching Podge as he slept soundly.

“We said we had to enter him, because look at how far he’s come from running on the streets to running in his dreams,” said Mr Lotti.

“Originally, he was found straying by a dog warden and he was sent to the kennels.

“A vet checked him and found he had a load of rotted teeth – he’s 12 years old, so obviously nobody was caring for him.

“They did surgery, removed the rotted teeth, and he was sent to Cara Rescue Dogs in Laois.

“Their vet checked him again and found that the wound in his gums wasn’t healing, so they did another surgery.

“After that, they put him up on Facebook and we did the adoption form," he added.

“The first week we had him, he was non-stop shaking and he wouldn’t sleep – he just didn’t understand that he was allowed inside and that the beds were for his comfort.

“He had a third surgery then because the wound in his gums still wasn’t healing – and they found that he had arthritis in his back.

“For six weeks he was back and forth to the vets – but now he loves nothing more than snuggling up next to you on the couch.

“He understands that me and Lisa are his eyes and ears. It’s a huge transformation, from being on the streets to being an award winner. We’re delighted for him.”

With more than 700 nominations, just 30 finalists were selected to attend the Petmania Ruby Heart Awards in Kilkenny which was  hosted by broadcaster, sustainability influencer and DJ, Fionnuala Moran.