A DOG whose life was saved following an unexpected Christmas gift is looking for a new home.

Jack, a five-year-old lurcher and collie cross, was brought to Harts Veterinary Centre in Bicester on December 23 needing surgery to remove a tumour.

But he faced being put down after his owners revealed they would be unable to afford his much-needed operation.

Veterinary nurse Joey Buchholz, 23, said: “Jack was brought to us with a large mass on his hind end but his owners simply could not afford for him to have the necessary operation.

“So they decided Jack would have to be put down, which was absolutely heart-breaking because he was otherwise healthy.

“It would have been a waste of life to put down such a wonderful dog. We do see this kind of thing quite a lot and always recommend that people who take on dogs are in a position where they can afford to keep them safely and securely.”

When the veterinary practice realised Jack would have to be put down without the operation they contacted Ardley Rescue Kennels in Bicester in the hope of gaining some funding.

The kennels then agreed to fund Jack’s surgery, although staff would not reveal the cost.

Trustee of the kennels Annabel Pottle, 49, said it was unusual for a third party to pay for veterinary operations.

She said: “It was Christmas time and we couldn’t just let Jack die. So we paid for him to have the mass removed, his claws to be trimmed and for castration.

“And he’s now a very happy and healthy dog so we’re really pleased that we managed to save him.”

Ms Buchholz has since temporarily fostered Jack and said she is besotted with him.

She said: “I’m so grateful that Ardley Rescue Kennels paid for the operation because he’s such a vibrant, happy dog who just needs some more confidence.

“He ideally needs to be taken on by a family who have other dogs because he’s getting on like a house on fire with my other dog and that seems to be making him really happy. I think people need to be reminded that pets aren’t just for Christmas and they need to be looked after all year round.

“I hope he will find the perfect owner and live a very happy life.”

If you would like to find out more or look into adopting Jack contact Harts Veterinary Centre on 01869 323223.