New leash of life for Poppy (From Stroud News and Journal)

New leash of life for Poppy

IT WAS a case of four legs bad, two wheels good for one lucky pooch after generous pals at a Five Valleys animal shelter gave her a new leash of life.

The future looked ruff for Jack Russell terrier Poppy when a slipped disc left her back legs paralysed six months ago - but caring staff at the Teckels Animal Welfare Centre in Whitminster did not give up.

And she is now merrily trundling along on a new set of wheels after businessman Andrew Trott, who volunteers at the centre, donated the £290 cost.

Mr Trott, 38, said: "I joined the centre about two or three weeks ago and it just broke my heart to see Poppy.

"She arrived after her owner died recently. I just thought she was a really plucky dog - so full of life - and I wanted to help."

And Mr Trott, who runs a Berkeley-based asbestos consultancy, says Poppy is a huge fan of her new wheels, which are attached with a harness and straps.

"She loves them," he said. "When we get her in she just whizzes around and we cannot get her out of them."

Teckels manager Joan Barrett said: "There are actually quite a lot of dogs out there with wheels but Poppy couldn't wait to get in them."

Veterinary physiotherapist Eleanor Clarke has also donated her services free of charge to help Poppy try and regain the use of her legs.

Anyone who can give poppy a loving home can call Teckels on 01452 740300.