DOG LEFT FOR DEAD GETS MERRY CHRISTMAS, THANKS TO WESTWAY

A BORDER terrier left to die in the winter cold is now looking forward to a happy Christmas, thanks to kind-hearted vets and volunteers in County Durham. Staff at Westway Veterinary Group helped save Mimm the terrier when she was found close to death in Chester-le-Street, after being abandoned by her owners in November. And now the vets are to save Mimm again, by performing life-saving surgery.

Jason Atherton, the partner at Westway in Stanley, where the surgery will take place, said: "Durham County Animal Ambulance found Mimm starving, sick, cold and close to death.

"We didn't think she was going to make it, but thanks to quick treatment and some tender loving care, she has made a full recovery."

Westway runs the Stray Fund to provide treatment for stray and abandoned animals like Mimm. Westway vets treated the plucky terrier, who is blind and partially deaf, for ear, skin and bladder infections. They also diagnosed malignant mammary tumours.The voluntary organisation People's Animal Rescue and Rehoming Team (PARRT) found a foster home for Mimm, before moving her to a new, permanent home with John and Jenny Stafford in Morpeth, Northumberland. Just a month after being left for dead, she is now well enough to undergo surgery to remove her tumours.

"Mimm completely defied the odds to survive her ordeal," said Jason. "Now we need to remove the tumours so she can enjoy the rest of her life with her new owners.

"The surgery is complex and expensive. But Westway's Stray Fund exists to help animals just like Mimm, so we had no hesitation in funding it ourselves."

Linda Wilkinson of PARRT, which is also contributing £100 towards the surgery costs, said: "Mimm now has a bright future in a happy home, thanks to a real collective effort by several voluntary organisations.

"For Westway to step up and save Mimm's life a second time is a wonderful Christmas gift."

The Westway Stray Fund relies on charitable donations to treat and save animals like Mimm. To make a donation, please contact Jason Atherton on 0191 3700369.