AN unwanted blind dog needs a new home and help to pay for surgery to enable her to see again.

Meg, a four-year-old whippet-cross, has developed sight problems in the past two years.

She is now being cared for at a foster home for the National Animal Sanctuary Support League, in Darlington.

Pauline Wilson, of the league, has arranged for her to have cataract surgery at a veterinary practice in Carlisle, which was developed by vets in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Mrs Wilson said: "It is called a lendectomy and involves removing the lens from the eye, then taking away the cataract and debris, before replacing the lens. It has a 95 per cent success rate.

"She is only four, so we have to give her this chance. If she was 14 it would have been different, but she really needs this chance.

"Considering she has got such a handicap, she manages very well, but with this operation, if we can restore some of her sight, her quality of life is going to be far, far better."

The operation costs £800 and, as a charity, the National Animal Sanctuary Support League is appealing for help to pay for the treatment.

Once the operation has been carried out on March 20, Meg will be looking for a new home.

"We want to find her a home with no young children and preferably with someone who has experience with blind dogs," said Mrs Wilson.

"After the operation she will see quite well, but it will take time to adapt. It will be traumatic for her seeing again and finding a new home."

Anyone wishing to make a donation should send a cheque, made payable to the league, to Meg's Fund, PO Box 42, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 5JA. To offer her a new home, contact Mrs Wilson on (01325) 321855