A SEVERELY malnourished dog who was so weak she could not stand is being nursed back to health by a rehoming shelter.

Meisha, a six-and-a-half-year-old crossbreed, was rescued from a home and brought to Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter, Hawthorn Lane, Newland, which has set up a fund for her rehabilitation.

Her condition shocked staff and volunteers as she was so weak she was unable to stand up and they had to use a sling to help her get back on her feet.

Shelter staff believe Meisha knows she has been rescued and nudges their hands to get a gentle head rub.

Claire Tregunna. shelter manager, said: "She was very weak and thin and her skin was in a poor condition.

"She had a swollen belly and very little muscle tone on her body and head.

"For the first couple of days we struggled to get her to stand up and had to use a sling to help her to her feet.

"She was desperate for affection and for food.

"She would nudge your hand for you to give her a gentle head rub, so she knew she was saved and being cared for.

"We had her checked by our vet straight away who wanted to take some blood to test to ascertain what was wrong with her.

"She was discovered to be suffering from severe malnutrition.

"However, she may have to undergo more tests in four to six weeks to see if she has an issue with her thyroid

"She was also discovered to have an infection in both her ears so is on medication to help this."

Meisha is now being fed good quality food little and often to help build up her strength and muscle tone.

Due to her malnutrition, the shelter does not know if she will have any other health issues.

"We will obviously be keeping a very close eye on her and giving her lots of TLC.

"She is living in one of our chill out rooms at the moment, with a heated bed, lots of blankets and a sofa to lounge on once she is strong enough to climb on to it.

"She is getting plenty of visitors and gentle cuddles from staff, who are making sure she is kept warm and comfortable as she slowly gets better."

A JustGiving campaign has been launched to help raise funds towards Meisha's on going care.

To donate, log on to justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/wars/meisha or donate direct to the charity directly by sending a cheque to Meisha Campaign, WARS, Hawthorn Lane, Newland, Malvern, WR13 5BD.