Back on his feet, the abandoned German Shepherd whose bow legs are on the mend thanks to a kind-hearted British appeal

A brave bow-legged German Shepherd abandoned by his Greek owner has been given a new lease of life - after a cash appeal brought him back to Britain for treatment.

Sandy, who is also partially sighted, faced a life of misery after a nutritional problem was thought to have made his front legs seriously bowed, meaning his Greek owner gave up on him.

His plight came to the attention of Pat Clark, who runs a dogs charity in Cambridge, and she launched an appeal to bring him to Britain.

Generous animal lovers donated hundreds of pounds to pay for his transportation and treatment.

Sandy arrived a month ago and last week had the initial operation to fix one of his legs, meaning the ten-month-old pooch is half way to walking normally for the first time.

The complicated procedures are being carried out free of charge by surgeon Chaim Pilosof, a partner at Companion Care vets in Cambridge.

Chaim said: 'So far it has gone really well. At the moment he is on cage rest because he needs to rest a lot but he is already trying to do much more than we allow him to.

'We are seeing improvements already and he is walking much more comfortably and faster than before and that is just with one leg fixed.'

Chaim and colleagues have also started physiotherapy on Sandy¹s straightened right leg and hope to carry out hydrotherapy when his left leg has been treated.

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Donors have also provided the money for more treatment, including an MRI scan at a reduced price and a visit to an eye specialist.

The plates needed to straighten his legs, which normally cost around £200, have been donated for free.

Chaim, who is carrying out the operations on his day off, added: 'A lot of other people have helped with what he needs.

'A lot of good people have helped him and a lot of people donated money.

'He is a lovely dog. He is very gentle and loving. You really could not wish for a nicer dog.'

A local Pets at Home branch have also supplied Sandy with a new bed and toys.

Pat Clark, who runs the Mutts in Distress charity, has decided to adopt him when his operations are complete.

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She said: 'I saw his picture and that was it. We had to get him over. I am over the moon with his progress.

'I am speechless and overwhelmed by people's kindness and generosity shown to an abandoned dog.

'A month ago he had no hope of ever walking properly or hope of the gift of sight. No-one had heard his name or knew of his existence.

'Here he is now, facing a whole new life, happy and safe, thanks to people prepared to give.'