Puppy rescued from house covered in faeces finds loving new home

A puppy who was found hiding alongside several other animals in a house covered in faeces and urine has “blossomed” into a happy house dog after being taken in by new owners.

Sadie was found alongside three dogs, a hedgehog, and a snake in a house in Inverness described as “harrowing” by inspectors.

The floor was thick with excrement, and the living room smelled of faeces and urine.

A visibly underfed seven-foot boa constrictor was found in an enclosure strewn with numerous dead, uneaten chicks, and an African pygmy hedgehog was locked in a vivarium that lacked any food or any form of heating or lighting.

A section of the room had been fenced off, forming a pen saturated with feces and urine, where a six-month-old female crossbreed puppy, Sadie, was discovered so frightened she was attempting to hide under a cabinet.

The man responsible for her suffering, along with the rest of the animals, Scott Trist, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court in June.

He pled guilty to charges relating to animal neglect and received a four-year ban from owning or keeping animals, along with 210 hours of unpaid community service.

Highlands & Islands

Four dogs, hedgehog and snake found in ‘shocking’ house covered in faeces

Seven animals were rescued from ‘almost inconceivable’ conditions at Scott Trist’s home in Inverness.

Sadie, who had never received affection, touched grass or played with a toy, was taken into the care of the Scottish SPCA.

Her world changed forever when she was taken into a loving home in September 2024, with new owners Vicky and Ed.

“We were told she’d probably be too nervous to come near us,” Vicky said, remembering their first meeting.

“But instead, she jumped straight into my lap and showered me with kisses. Ed got belly rub requests! We knew right then she was meant to be with us.”

Vicky, who has worked in rescue centres herself, believes deeply in giving animals a second chance and took her time with Sadie.

The puppy waited five days before going into the car, several weeks before trusting the couch, and even a couple of months before going upstairs.

After being given the time to settle in, Sadie now loves swimming – and even started paddleboarding.

“We were prepared to take things slow, to let her trust us in her own time”, she added.

“She is the sweetest, most grateful little dog. She’s loving, gentle, a little cheeky, and so full of life. We’re the lucky ones – she chose us.”

The pygmy hedgehog who was found in the house with a visibly inflamed injury to her right eye, was lovingly rehomed with new owners who had the specialist knowledge needed to care for her properly.