WITH her wagging tail, glossy coat and bright eyes it's hard to believe that Doris is Britain's most tragic dog.

Staff at a North-East dogs home are desperate to find the affectionate Staffordshire bull terrier cross a loving home

There is only one snag - no matter how much love and attention lavished upon her by new owners, Doris has not got long to live.

For the poorly little dog was recently diagnosed with leukaemia and may only have weeks to live.

And now staff at the Dogs Trust in Darlington have set themselves a task: to make certain Doris can live out her final days in comfort surrounded by people who love her.

Sue Embleton, assistant manager of Dogs Trust Darlington Rehoming Centre, at Sadberge, said: "Doris was recently diagnosed with leukaemia and has had her spleen removed.

"She could have just weeks to live, or months or a couple of years - it's a big gamble and we just don't know how long she has left.

"The most important thing is that she is happy, comfortable and among people who love her."

Doris was picked up from the streets in Stockton and came to the centre in March.

She was very thin and had a swelling in her chest and stomach area.

"At first we thought she was pregnant, but after an x-ray we realised she had a tumor. She was diagnosed with leukaemia and underwent the operation," said Mrs Embleton.

Despite a harrowing few months ten-year-old Doris is lively and cheerful and loves the attention that staff give her in the kennels.

"She's a favourite here among staff, but we feel like she has been hard done by. We really want her to find a new home," said Mrs Embleton.

Anyone interested in providing a home for Doris is urged to contact the centre on (01325) 333114.

All medical costs in the future will be covered by the dogs trust.