THE NEW Year has delivered a fresh start for a three-legged puppy who was rescued by The Blue Cross animal charity and transferred to their animal adoption centre near Harpenden.

Six-month-old Staffordshire bull terrier Lottie had been found abandoned in a London park and because of an old injury, her leg had to be amputated. The plight of the plucky puppy was covered by the Herts Advertiser as The Blue Cross centre in Kimpton Bottom endeavoured to find Lottie a home and now she has won the hearts of a Staffordshire couple.

James Nixon and Iona Jennings had been looking for a new dog when they spotted her video on The Blue Cross website. They fell in love with the energetic pup’s bouncy nature and immediately made an appointment to visit her at the centre.

James and Iona soon made the four-hour round trip to visit Lottie and they knew from the moment she bounded up to them that she was every inch the lovely dog they’d envisioned her to be. After a week making arrangements and ensuring they could give Lottie the time and commitment she required, they took her home to begin her new life.

James added: “Lottie’s doing really well. She was quite tired on the first day we brought her home and didn’t want to shut her eyes in case we left. But she’s really settling in now and enjoying her food and walks, and everybody who sees her makes a big fuss. We were so impressed with the staff and the set-up at The Blue Cross. The level of care they offer the animals is amazing and they’ve done such a good job with Lottie considering her ordeal.”

Blue Cross deputy centre manager Emma Pannell said: “Without doubt the best part of our job is seeing our animals given a second chance in life, especially when they’ve had a rough start like little Lottie. Despite her disability, she was just bursting with life and love and she’ll make a wonderful pet for James and Iona.”

Last year, The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Kimpton Bottom found loving new homes for over 600 unwanted and abandoned dogs, cats and rabbits. But the charity receives no government funding so it relies on public donations to fund its vital work.

To find out more about adopting a pet from the Blue Cross or to make a donation, phone 01438 832 232 or visit www.bluecross.org.uk