WARNING: This story features images of burns to a beautiful doggo, which you may find distressing, but he does live happily ever after at a new home in Baldock.

The Comet: Four-year-old Sam is looking forward to Christmas with his new family, after suffering burns during the festive period in 2019.Four-year-old Sam is looking forward to Christmas with his new family, after suffering burns during the festive period in 2019. (Image: RSPCA)

A four-year-old dog is looking forward to a festive season full of comfort and joy - a far cry from Christmas 2019 when he was badly burned and then left without veterinary treatment.

Samson suffered second-degree burns from hot water and was without medical attention for 10 days, because his owner said he couldn’t afford it.

The Comet: Four-year-old Sam is looking forward to Christmas with his new family, after suffering burns during the festive period in 2019.Four-year-old Sam is looking forward to Christmas with his new family, after suffering burns during the festive period in 2019. (Image: RSPCA)

He went into RSPCA’s care on December 27, 2019, after a social worker intervened.

Now, two years on, Sam’s scars have finally healed and - thanks to his new family in Baldock - he’s learned that Christmas can be a magical time.

Inspector Lauren Bailey, who investigated his case, said: “Samson was taken for immediate vet care for severe burns and a secondary infection which must have been incredibly painful.

The Comet: Sam suffered terrible burns due to a boiling water spill in 2019 while with his previous owner - and unfortunately, he didn't receive vet care until a social worker stepped in.Sam suffered terrible burns due to a boiling water spill in 2019 while with his previous owner - and unfortunately, he didn't receive vet care until a social worker stepped in. (Image: RSPCA)

"His owner said he couldn’t afford to take Samson for treatment because it was Christmas and he had no money left, and agreed to sign him over.

“Samson was treated for weeks as he had extensive scalding to his right ear, head, neck, shoulders and back. He cried when he was touched and would shake his head repeatedly. He received pain relief and antibiotics before going under anaesthetic to have his wounds cleaned.

The Comet: Sam suffered terrible burns due to a boiling water spill in 2019 while with his previous owner - and unfortunately, he didn't receive vet care until a social worker stepped in.Sam suffered terrible burns due to a boiling water spill in 2019 while with his previous owner - and unfortunately, he didn't receive vet care until a social worker stepped in. (Image: RSPCA)

“Once the wounds had been cleaned and his fur had been clipped back I was shocked at the extent of the burns.”

Sam had suffered first to second-degree burns and vets confirmed that he’d have been suffering since the water was spilled on him until he was taken to the vets - 10 days in total.

The mastiff cross' previous owner was found guilty at trial for causing unnecessary suffering to him - under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act - and was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years, ordered to pay costs and handed a three-year conditional discharge.

Sam was adopted by the Bushaway family in August 2020 - after they lost their Rottweiler the previous year.

The Comet: Sam with Lee Bushaway - his new home in Baldock is his forever homeSam with Lee Bushaway - his new home in Baldock is his forever home (Image: RSPCA)

Mum-of-three Lee and Paul, 52, had been looking to adopt a rescue dog for sometime after missing their late dog.

“The house just didn’t feel the same without a dog,” said Lee, 45. “We spotted Sam’s photo and thought he looked lovely. We applied and, within just a few hours, we’d spoken to his carers on the phone and had a video call with the team.”

The family went to visit the mastiff cross the following day and brought Sam home with them. Thankfully Sam’s physical scars healed thanks to expert vet care and dedicated rehabilitation by the RSPCA team.

The Comet: Sam now lives with the Bushaways in Baldock - his wounds have heald and he is loved and cared forSam now lives with the Bushaways in Baldock - his wounds have heald and he is loved and cared for (Image: RSPCA)

Although he still has some fears and anxieties, the four-year-old has learned to trust again.

Lee said: “He has settled in really well and is such a character; everyone loves him. He loves being with people and is very playful - he’ll play fetch for hours! My youngest son, Jason, 23, absolutely dotes on him but he’s a real mummy’s boy at heart. He’s so loving and affectionate, and he follows me everywhere!

The Comet: Sam is looking forward to Christmas with his new family.Sam is looking forward to Christmas with his new family. (Image: RSPCA)

“In the evenings I curl up on the sofa under a blanket and have to make sure there’s enough on the floor next to me for him to curl up and sleep on even though he has his own snuggly blanket in his bed!

“He struggles with other dogs he doesn’t know so we take him for long walks in the countryside where he won’t bump into others. He does have some friends he’s made in the local area, like Labrador Aero, and they love to run and play in the garden.”

The Comet: Sam is looking forward to Christmas with his new family.Sam is looking forward to Christmas with his new family. (Image: RSPCA)

The family is now looking forward to their second Christmas with Sam.

Lee added: “We really weren’t sure how Sam would react on his first Christmas with us, especially as his incident happened over Christmas. We didn’t know if the tree and decorations would remind him of the trauma, and there are still times where we can see that what happened did have a mental impact on him.

“But to look at him now you really wouldn’t even know what he’d been through. I absolutely love Christmas and go all out every year so I’m really glad that he now knows that Christmas can be a truly magical time.

“This year he’ll get to open all of his presents while we open ours and then we’ll go for a nice long walk. He can have a special Christmas dinner while we eat and then we’ll all cuddle on the sofa and watch festive films. He will definitely get spoiled but he really deserves it.”

The RSPCA is urging the public to 'Join the Rescue' and help its officers rescue and rehabilitate more animals like Sam this winter.

To Join the Christmas Rescue and help our rescuers be there for the animals in need this winter, visit www.rspca.org.uk/rescuexmas.