SIX weeks ago, he was discovered in an emaciated state with matted fur and fleas.
Now, rescue dog Scamps has helped open Hull's first ever RSPCA charity shop.
The eight-year-old German Shepherd was a special guest at the opening of the shop in Holderness Road, east Hull, yesterday.
He was on hand as the ribbon was cut, he greeted shoppers and strutted his stuff for the cameras.
Alison Ripley, manager of the RSPCA's Hull branch, said: "Scamps is a wonderful dog who was rescued.
"He is very friendly and great with crowds, so he was the perfect choice for the launch of Hull's first RSPCA charity shop.
"He loved the attention and only strayed from his charitable duties to stick his head round next door at the butcher's."
Scamps was rescued by the RSPCA after the animal welfare charity received a cruelty complaint.
He was found in an emaciated condition, with fleas and a matted coat.
He was nursed back to health at the charity's animal centre in Clough Road, Hull.
Ms Ripley said of yesterday's opening: "It was great to see Scamps in such high spirits.
"He was very excitable and enjoyed being stroked and cooed over by shoppers and passers-by.
"He has made an amazing transformation in just six weeks."
Scamps took centre stage as the charity shop was officially opened at 10am. It sells a range of donated items, including clothes, books and DVDs.
Ms Ripley said she hoped the shop would help raise awareness of animal cruelty.
She said: "We are hoping to raise awareness of the RSPCA and the important, often life-saving, work we do.
"Animal cruelty is a growing issue, with dozens of animals across Hull and the East Riding subjected to cruelty every year.
"All proceeds will go towards protecting and rescuing animals in the future."
More than 60 people in East Yorkshire were taken to court last year for the mistreatment of animals.
Dogs, cats, livestock and horses were all among the victims.
Ms Ripley said: "We are passionate about bringing the perpetrators of animal cruelty to justice, but we are really struggling for funds.
"The Hull branch is currently relying on local donations, but we are hoping the new charity shop will help us out enormously.
"Ideally, it will provide us with a regular income which we can use to protect animals across the East Riding."
The RSPCA doesn't only rescue animals, it also pledges to re-home them.
The charity is appealing to the public to help find a new, loving home for Scamps. Carina Mclean-Smith, RSPCA animal care assistant, said: "Scamps is an absolutely fantastic dog.
"He is extremely friendly, gets on well with other dogs and can be left for three to four hours a day.
"We are hoping to re-home him with a family with children over the age of five."
Ms Mclean-Smith, who ran the Hull 10K last year to raise money for the charity, said Scamps had been born with a paw deformity.
She said: "We could tell straight away that his paws turned outwards in an unnatural way.
"This was a result of a birth defect and it is possible he could develop arthritis in later life.
"But he doesn't let it affect him – he loves playing with toys and bounding around outside.
"He is a really happy, fun-loving animal with a big heart."
Scamps is fully vaccinated and can be adopted for £99.
For more information, call the RSPCA's Hull branch on 01482 341 331.
