Tiny Tim gets a fresh start and a new name (From The Northern Echo)

Tiny Tim gets a fresh start and a new name

5:46pm Friday 8th January 2010 in News By Joe Willis, Regional chief reporter

AN abandoned dog with only three legs has found happiness in a new home.

More than 100 people responded to an appeal in The Northern Echo to give Tiny Tim the Jack Russell a fresh start.

The nine-week-old puppy was found terrified and shivering in an Asda toaster box in South Church, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on Christmas Eve.

He was taken to National Animal Sanctuaries Support League, based at Newton Aycliffe.

A check by a vet discovered a serious injury to his right back leg with amputation the only option.

This prompted staff to name him after the character in A Christmas Carol.

Ivy Hodgson, from Brompton-on-Swale, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, was selected by the support league to take on the puppy .

He was handed over to her on New Year's Day and was promptly renamed Jack.

She said: "When we first got him he couldnt go in the kitchen on account of the tiled floor, but now he's able to get about everywhere.

"He's got a big garden to play in and three dogs to play with - I hope he's now going to be much happier."

Pauline Wilson, from the support league, thanked everyone who called to offer the puppy a new home.

"I was absolutely delighted," she said.