A neglected dog who was so dangerously underweight that he was unable to run has been saved by Stokenchurch Dog Rescue.

The dog – a two-year-old brindle Lurcher called Tigger - weighed just 18kg when he arrived at the kennel last Monday.

A normal healthy dog of his breed should weigh around 27 to 30kg but thanks to the help of the centre, Tigger is already on the road to recovery and looking for a new home.

The Lurcher, who was suffering from an extreme lack of food and human stimulation when he was taken in by a pound, would have been put down within the week had Stokenchurch not taken him in.

“He’s a lovely, lovely dog,” said Michelle Vickers, Chief Executive of Stokenchurch Dog Rescue.

“It’s heartbreaking to see an animal in his condition but I think he’s really pleased to be here and he is already a favourite.

“Whoever did this to him has not put him off people, which is great.

“Normally when dogs come here they are very nervous at first but Tigger isn’t at all.

“I met him yesterday and he came straight up to me and was licking my face.

“If people are interested in giving Tigger a home once he is healthy again we would like to hear from them.”

If you are keen to give a dog a new home, the only cost involved is a donation of £120.

This goes towards the costs of rescuing the dogs and the extensive process of nurturing them back to full health including deworming, chipping and neutering.

Stokenchurch, which is funded purely from donations from members of the public, has 41 modern dog rooms with a variety of toys and bedding to make sure the dog’s stay is as comfortable as possible.

See http://stokenchurchdogrescue.org.uk/