Sugar, a shar pei cross weighed just 10.6 kilos when she was found three weeks after being abandoned in a house with her four puppies.

The inspector who rescued her said it was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty he had seen in 10 years on the job.

But now, with a great deal of love and care both by the RSPCA and Sugar’s new family in Sydney, she has more than doubled her weight, tipping the scales at a healthy 23 kilos.

Sugar has been part of Amanda Knowles’ family for the past nine weeks.

Amanda said that when the family first met Sugar she spent a few minutes sniffing around, then she padded over to her dad and placed her head in his lap.

She said that simple gesture won her dad over and Sugar has been his shadow ever since.

However, it wasn’t until they were certain they were going to take her home that the RSPCA staff showed them the newspaper clippings telling the story of a her sad life.

“It was heartbreaking,” Amanda said.

“How could you let that happen. It’s just disgusting.

“When we saw those photos we cried.

“Given what she has been through she has the most wonderful nature.

“She wants to be loved and touched. She wants to be with you and know what’s going on.

“To be able to give her a second chance at the life she deserves is very humbling,” Amanda said.

Amanda said Sugar is very talkative and doesn’t like to go to bed.

If you stop patting her she tries to slip her head under your hand and nudge you to keep going and she will sit right beside you all day if you let her.

Sadly though, if anyone raises their voice in the house, she’s gone like a shot and she still has trouble with her ears because they went too long without treatment after becoming infected.

Sugar has also been on a special diet for the past 12 months but now she is strong enough to gradually be introduced to other foods.

“She’s a beautiful dog,” Amanda said.

“It amazes me the way she puts her faith and trust in us even though humans have treated her so badly.”