KIND-HEARTED Northern Echo readers have rushed to give an abandoned blind dog the chance to see.

Meg, a four-year-old whippet-cross, developed sight problems two years ago. She does not have a home and is being looked after by foster owners for the National Animal Sanctuary Support League, in Darlington.

Last week, The Northern Echo appealed for donations to help pay for the £800 cataract surgery Meg needs.

And within a few days, the full amount had been pledged by readers.

The surgery will take place at a veterinary practice in Carlisle, Cumbria, on March 20 - and then four-year-old Meg will be looking for a new home.

Pauline Wilson, from the Support League, said: "It was amazing that the money was raised so quickly. We were inundated by calls. Meg really seems to have been taken to the hearts of The Northern Echo readers.

"We are still looking for a home for Meg for after the operation, but at least she can have the surgery, which, in turn, will make it easier for us to find her a home."

The specialist surgery Meg will receive was developed by vets in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The process is called a lendectomy and involves removing the lens from the eye, taking the cataract and debris away, and then replacing the lens.

The operation has a 95 per cent success rate and Mrs Wilson is confident it will transform Meg's life.

She said: "Considering she has got such a handicap, she manages very well. If we can restore some of her sight, her quality of life is going to be far, far better.

"The charity would have paid for the treatment, but now we can redirect that money to help another animal in need."

Once her sight is back, Meg will find it difficult to adjust to her new life and could be traumatised by her experience.

She will need a home with no young children and where her owners have some experience of animals with disabilities.

To offer her a new home, contact Mrs Wilson on (01325) 321855.