A COUPLE proved to be an abandoned dog’s best friend after they made a 1,300-mile round trip to give the animal a home.

Jamie Lowe and his partner, Sarah Sarre, made the trip from St Sampson, in the Channel Island of Guernsey, to Darlington to claim Paddy, a three-year-old German shepherd- cross, from Dogs Trust, in Sadberge.

It is the second time the pair, who have a son, Liam, have gone to extraordinary lengths to find a dog.

They fell for their first dog, Errol, earlier this year after seeing his picture on the internet and travelled 500 miles to Dogs Trust Evesham, in Worcestershire, to get him.

Then, as they were looking for a companion for Errol, they came across Paddy.

The family, who also have five cats and ten chickens, visited Dogs Trust Darlington in September to make sure Paddy was the right dog for them, before returning to the mainland a few weeks later with Errol for a final meeting at the centre in Shoreham, West Sussex.

Ms Sarre said: “Unfortunately, Paddy was all the way up in Darlington which was a huge distance away from Guernsey, but we decided if he was anything like Errol he would be worth it.

“We flew to London and travelled up to Darlington on the train to see Paddy.

“Within minutes it was like we had known him forever and we knew he was the dog we had been searching for.

“Dogs Trust kindly transported Paddy to Shoreham and we took Errol to meet him. They hit it off immediately, which was a big relief.

“It was a long journey, but they are both well worth it and we would recommend Dogs Trust to anyone in the UK looking to rehome a dog.”

Clare Hopps, Dogs Trust Darlington supporter relations officer, said: “It touched our hearts that Jamie and Sarah travelled so far for Paddy. It just goes to prove that the right home is out there for each and every dog, and because Dogs Trust will never put a healthy dog down, Paddy was able to find a loving home.

“We are so glad that Paddy has settled in to his new life with Jamie, Sarah and Liam in Guernsey, after spending so long waiting for a home. We are delighted that he has found owners willing to go the extra mile to make him part of their family.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about dogs available for rehoming can call Dogs Trust Darlington on 01325-333114 or visit Hill House Farm, Sadberge, County Durham.