THE OWNERS of a 'pawly' pooch are celebrating after their pet made a miraculous recovery from a devastating accident.

Lance, an eight-year-old Belgian Shepherd dog from Hob Hey Lane, Culcheth, almost lost both legs after he was hit by a car, but thanks to plenty of love and care from owner April Edwards and the expertise of vet Steve Jones, he is pretty good shape.

According to Steve, there was a chance that Lance may not survive his injuries.

"My first impression was that we might lose him," said Steve.

"One leg was badly cut and fractured, but the tissue was where it should have been so we could put it in a splint.

"But on the other side, the skin had all gone, just like taking a sock off, and the bones were pushed out of place. We had to rebuild the leg, but a couple of the toes were too badly damaged and had to be removed."

The medics moved the skin down from the top of Lance's leg and took a skin graft from the inside of his thigh which they transplanted to the injured limb.

"The easy option would have been to amputate," said Steve. "But we decided to give it a go.

"I decided it was not going to beat me. We gradually rebuilt the leg and I'm quite pleased with the results. Lance is used to it now and as soon as I say 'right, that's it,' he's away towards the door!"

Lance's owner, April Edwards, is delighted with her beloved pet's recovery.

"He's incredible," she said.

"He's got a very slight limp and the hair grows in the wrong direction on his foot, but that's all. The treatment he received was brilliant."

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