A BIG Issue seller whose dog saved him from alcoholism has thanked the charity which sponsored her medication.

Steve Trigg was drinking seven litres of sherry a day, but when his faithful pet Charlie had puppies, he decided to beat the booze so he could be a better owner.

The pair have been inseparable for three-and-a-half years, but had a scare when the collie-cross dog began suffering from anaemia, an iron deficiency.

Mr Trigg was facing vet bills of £110-a-fortnight for the medication his pet needed over the course of eight weeks, but the Dogs’ Trust stepped in to help.

The 48-year-old, of East Oxford, said he was “very grateful”.

He said: “I think the world of my dog, she’s such a lovely little thing and only three years old. She doesn’t deserve to be ill like this.”

Father-of-three Mr Trigg and Charlie are a regular fixture outside the Marks & Spencer store in Queen Street, where he sells the Big Issue and she warmly greets passers-by.

But for Mr Trigg, she is more than just a companion. He said: “She was the one who got me off the drink. When she had puppies and I was looking after 11 dogs and I realised I couldn’t do that as well as the drink.”