A LURCHER, who was found locally in mid December heavily in pup, has been cared for by staff at Margaret Green Foundation Trust's animal sanctuary near Tavistock.

The dog was found early one morning standing in the middle of the road, soaking wet from overnight rain. After the finder had knocked on doors to see if anyone knew who owned the animal, she was brought up to MGFT in Heathfield.

Niki Ging, manager at Margaret Green Animal Rescue, said: 'We had to wait seven days to see whether she would be claimed. When she wasn't we decided to name her Mary, being so close to Christmas.

'Mary started to thrive, being fed regularly and taken for gentle walks, which she absolutely adored.

'Christmas came and went and on December 28 Mary started to whelp — over an eight-hour period she gave birth to six bitches and five dogs, and even though she was very tired, she was, and is a brilliant mum.

'As it is such a large litter, we are also bottle feeding the puppies, just to give Mary a bit of a break as they are a very demanding bunch!

'The puppies continue to make good progress, and will hopefully be looking for a home late February early March — and as for Mary, this will be her last litter. Once the puppies have been weaned and Mary has recovered she will be neutered and will be then looking for a loving home she so deserves.'

Margaret Green Animal Rescue, near Tavistock, rescue and rehome cats and dogs and also offer cat boarding. To contact the sanctuary call 01822 810215 or visit http://www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk">www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk