A DOG which touched the hearts of Hyndburn animal lovers has been caught at last - and treated to a pet-pampering.
The stray dog, nicknamed Shaggy, had been wandering aimlessly around Willow Lane, Accrington, for over 18 months.
And several annoyed readers wrote to the Observer to ask why it was being left to roam.
Dog warden Steve Wood, who had been trying to catch it for weeks, finally managed it with the help of volunteers from Hyndburn Stray Dogs In Need.
They used a "Come To Me" net, which is invisible to the canine eye, to trap it in an alleyway.
It was then taken to its new temporary home at Aspen Valley kennels in Oswal-twistle, where it was revealed that Shaggy is a girl.
Its lovely coat had become overgrown and bedraggled during its life in the wild so kennel staff gave it some TLC before its makeover at the Pet Warehouse in Oswaldtwistle this week.
Shaggy's pampering package included a wash, cut and style and a full manicure.
It will also receive a full check-up to make sure it doesn't have any health problems.
Mr Wood said: "It had been wandering around for so long on its own that its coat was overgrown and covering its eyes."
He added: "It had remained loose for so long because of the kindness of strangers who fed it. It was very nervous and I didn't want to distress it unnecessarily.
"We still don't know where the dog came from or who it belongs to."
Shaggy is now in need of a permanent home. So if you are interested in being Shaggy's owner on a permanent basis contact the kennels on 233702.
