Pug addict: Adorable dog gets a new home after being rescued from cruel owners who forced it to get high on marijuana Basil the 18-month-old pug was made to take drugs by abusive family Terrified pup was bald from untreated mange and nearly dead from hunger He is now being rehabilitated at a rescue home in South Gippsland, Victoria This little pug may not realise it just yet, but he can look forward to a loving and happy home after being rescued from a cruel family. Newly christened Basil, the 18-month-old pug was so badly treated by his original owners in Melbourne, Australia, they forced him to get high on marijuana. When animal welfare workers found him, the tiny pup was nearly dead from starvation and almost completely bald because of untreated mange. Basil the pug puppy was nearly dead from starvation and practically bald when he was rescued Basil looks proud of his new family at the Saffron On The Hill dog rescue centre outside Melbourne As his skin problems got worse, his fur fell out and he began to smell, and the young pup was cast outside by his owners. When he was rescued earlier this month, Basil, who had also been starved of human affection, had a stomach full of worms, eye problems, and virtually no muscles. But after some medicated baths, some visits by the vet, and a name-change as he didn't like the one he came with, Basil is now being cosseted and fattened up by dog rescue organisation Saffron On The Hill, where he has become part of the family with other rescued pugs. A spokesman for Saffron On The Hill said Basil was on medication, four small meals a day, and was having his own coat made to keep him warm while he rebuilds his strength. Once he is completely recovered, staff hope he will be rehomed with a loving family. Little Basil had no fat and virtually no muscle tone when he was found, but is now gaining weight The tiny pup was suffering from a bad case of untreated mange which is now being treated with medicine