A DOG found abandoned with a broken leg in a lonely lane in Green Haworth has celebrated the 10th anniversary of her rescue.
Despite suffering from the fracture and malnourishment, which meant she would never be able to walk properly, Dot has been helped on the road to recovery thanks to some engineering wizardry.
Gillian and Brian Bainbridge, of Royds Avenue, Accrington, took in the helpless pup after an appeal was made in the Observer in November 1997 for new owners to come forward and adopt her.
Former engineer Mr Bainbridge, 66, developed leg braces for Dot by heating plastic sink drainpipe and remoulding it to fit round her front paws.
He said: "I cut the braces in parts so she can move her legs instead of dragging them. It took me nearly eight hours to make the first brace and I’ve re-adapted it with orthopaedic plastic so she can move better."
Mrs Bainbridge said: "At first she would drag her broken leg and my husband spent hours showing her how to use her legs.
"Because the injury happened when she was a puppy, she doesn’t know anything different and is very content using her legs with the braces."
The braces are attached to Dot’s legs with Velcro and padded with foam to keep her legs comfortable while she is moving.
Today Dot enjoys going for walks with her owners, greeting her neighbours and running around her garden.
The supports are taken off each night to give her legs a chance to breathe.
Dot recently went for her annual check-up and was given a clean bill of health.
Mrs Bainbridge said: "She is a lovely dog. Everyone in our neighbourhood adores her. We live near a school and she greets all the children after school. She loves children.
"Dot is an adorable dog and we love her to bits."
