A DOG whose life was saved days before Christmas has been adopted by the veterinary nurse who helped get him the operation he needed.

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.

As reported in the Oxford Mail, he faced being put down because his owners could not afford the operation.

But now Jack has found a happy home with veterinary nurse Joey Bucholz, who said she couldn’t help falling in love with him.

Ms Buchholz, 23, said: “Jack is such a lovely, friendly dog and I’m so happy that he’s coming to live with me and my other dog Madiba, who is now his best friend.

“They are inseparable and seem to be good at keeping each other out of trouble.

“It seems as if Jack has fallen on his feet somewhat after he almost had to be put down before Christmas.

“It would have been a waste of life to put down such a wonderful dog and I’ve completely fallen in love with him.”

When Ms Buchholz realised Jack would have to be put down without the operation, she contacted Ardley Rescue Kennels, near Bicester, in the hope of gaining some funding.

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

Ms Buchholz said: “We always recommend that people who take on dogs are in a financial position where they can afford to keep them safely and securely.

“The phrase ‘dogs aren’t just for Christmas’ springs to mind and I think people need to really think long and hard before getting a dog.”

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

But she said: “We weren’t just going to let Jack die, so we paid for the mass to be removed, castration and for him to have his claws trimmed. He’s now a very happy and healthy dog.”