CHASING a ball in the spring sunshine is the most natural thing in the world for a dog.

But for the animal lovers who cared for Meg, the simple sight brings a lump to their throat.

Meg may look and act like any other dog but, until recently, the four-year old whippet cross could not run and chase a ball. In fact, it could barely walk. Meg was blind.

Now the friendly animal has a new spring in its step since pioneering surgery has enabled it to see again.

Meg had an operation to restore its sight after developing eye problems two years ago.

After Meg went blind, its owners could no longer cope and the National Animal Sanctuary Support League (NASSL) in Darlington took it in.

When its plight was highlighted in The Northern Echo, hundreds of readers pledged cash to help pay for the £800 cataract surgery.

The operation at Bishopton veterinary practice in Ripon, North Yorkshire, carried out by Gary Lewin, took place last Wednesday, and Meg returned for a check-up this week.

The operation; a lendectomy, was developed by vets in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

This involves removing the lens from the eye, taking the cataract and debris away and then replacing the lens with an artificial one.

Pauline Wilson, from NASSL, said: "When we took her to the surgery for the check-up, she saw a leaf and focused on it and went towards it and stopped to sniff it.

"At her foster home where she's being looked after at the moment, she has started getting on the chairs to look out of the windows, which she never did before the operation. It was lovely to see her looking at the other dogs in the surgery and wagging her tail."

NASSL is now appealing to animal lovers to offer Meg a new home. The animal is good with older children and gets on well with other dogs.

Potential owners should have some experience with dogs with disabilities.

For more details and to offer Meg a home contact Mrs Wilson on (01325) 321855.