Husky offers paw to new owners

Cliff, the husky abandoned down a Zurrieq precipice, is relishing its new-found freedom, happily exploring the Black Forest in Germany with its new owners.

The dog was so happy to meet its adoptive family at the airport that it wagged its tail and without any prompting sat down and offered its paw, despite a tiring three-hour flight travelling cargo on Air Malta to Germany.

Noah's Ark sanctuary founder Fabio Ciappara said the German family had read the articles on the husky's plight on timesofmalta.com, and got in touch through a German helper who volunteers for the Association for Abandoned Animals.

"Cliff has settled in and the family said it's like they had him forever. He loves roaming the fields. He is finally in a country with a cooler climate where he belongs; these dogs are not made for Malta's hot weather," Mr Ciappara said. Before travelling, the 18-month-old husky had to have its fur shaved off because of a severe flea and tick infestation.

Cliff then travelled with its pet passport after it received a clean bill of health.

The husky was cruelly abandoned last month and was found balancing on a tiny ledge with a 30-foot rope tied around its neck. It must have spent three days there before a farmer heard its faint yelps and called for help.

The Animal Welfare Department and the Civil Protection Department were involved in a 45-minute rescue operation, while Noah's Ark staff were on site with the animal ambulance.

This incident sparked outrage among readers who started writing in, offering money to anybody who was prepared to come forward with information on "the sick person" who committed this cruel act.