WHEN Lady's tragic story appeared in The Northern Echo recently, it couldn't help but soften even the most hardened of hearts.

The young border collie was looking for a new home after being abandoned without shelter and starved to within an inch of her life.

Lady is also blinded by cataracts and is believed to have been abused.

The four-year-old was being cared for by Saltburn Animal Rescue Association, in east Cleveland, and fostered by a family in Stokesley, North Yorkshire.

The Northern Echo's senior newspaper sales development co-ordinator, Cathy Thompson, was so taken by Lady's story that she adopted him.

She is taking the dog - renamed Madeley - to an eye surgeon in Penrith, Cumbria, on Thursday for an operation that could restore some sight.

"I fell in love with her the moment I saw her picture. The story about how she had been treated really touched my heart," she said.

"There was a point when they thought she was going to have to be put down, but she is a fighter and deserves a chance. She is going to be a lovely dog."

Mrs Thompson, of Colburn, North Yorkshire, already has two border collies, Revie and Tyler, and said the three have settled well together.

"She has really taken to us all. When she got here, she got hold of Revie's tail and was led all the way around the house. It was extraordinary," she said.

"She loves her walks, has a lovely waggy tail and is very affectionate. We have already got so much back from her."