She was barely clinging to life.

When rescuers picked up an emaciated lurcher in Cork on New Year’s Eve, 2019, it was the final emergency in what had been one of the Dog Action Welfare Group’s toughest years to date.

The charity volunteers shared images of the starving dog’s protruding bones and hunched shoulders on Facebook, some of which readers may find distressing.

Terrified, her tail between her legs, this was an animal that was so thin she could barely lie down.

The shocking images resulted in an outpouring of support from Cork animal lovers, who raised more than €5,000 to fund her veterinary care.

Now, thanks to round-the-clock attention from Cork DAWG volunteers, who hand-fed her every few hours, ‘Evie’ has been nursed back to health.

Her sand-coloured fur has grown back and she is finally looking forward to a happy life after a very close call.

Shelter staff are on the lookout for a forever home where Evie can continue her rehabilitation and join in everyday life as part of the family.

“For Evie, 2020 will be the start of her new life and that is only thanks to our supporters who enable us to to do what we do.” said a DWG spokesperson.

“Her personality is now starting to come out and she is running and playing with the other dogs. Evie is now ready to start looking for her forever family. This girl deserves only the best.”

Can you offer Evie a kind and caring home in which to begin her new life?

If you’d like to foster or adopt a dog, check out the DAWG site for further details or visit their Facebook page.