AN adorable little pooch has taken another important step in her new life as a therapy dog after being rescued from a freezing dustbin in Romania and brought to England.

Pupils and staff at The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre, an independent specialist school run by the North East Autism Society (NEAS) on Teesside, were all smiles when year-old Madi popped in for a visit.

Madi was dumped amongst the rubbish in the Romanian town of Targu Neamt last winter but was rescued by volunteers from the Dogs In Distress charity.

She has now found a loving new home in the picturesque village of Newby, near Middlesbrough, with owners Maaz Rahman, Nicci Knight, and their four children.

Madi has such a kind nature that she was a perfect candidate to be trained to serve with the national charity Pets As Therapy, and had her first assignment at Butterwick Hospice Care’s children’s wing just before Christmas.

Following the success of that visit, she has now melted hearts at The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre, at South Bank, Middlesbrough.

Vice Principal Emily Croft said: “A lot of our children have a fear of dogs, so it’s really important to have a positive experience by meeting a very friendly dog like Madi.

“Everyone was really excited when they heard she was coming in, and it was lovely to see the happiness, confidence and calming effect she inspired. She’s absolutely gorgeous – a real star.”

Maaz and Nicci run Zizu’s Nursery and Day Care Centre, in Middlesbrough Town Centre, and Madi has had plenty of experience of being around children as a regular visitor.

Maaz said: “This was Madi’s second assignment but her first official visit to a school, so it was a big step, and it was fantastic to see how quickly the children engaged with her, and how much positive energy she created.

“The staff at the school do an incredible job, and NEAS is an amazing charity, so it was a privilege to be able to take her into the school.”

Sophia, a ten-year-old pupil at the school, said: “Madi’s so cute and fluffy and I loved meeting her.”

  • To request a visit by Madi, please contact Nicci Knight at nicci@zizusdaycare.com