A HOMELESS Lake District man’s dog was given a new lease of life by a South Lakeland animal charity whose vets successfully treated it for a severe infection.

Dingo, a seven-year-old Australian cattle dog/blue heeler, who lives on the streets of Bowness with her owner Karl Dunn, has been given a clean bill of health following treatment at Animal Rescue Cumbria.

Karl had contacted several organisations for help after his beloved canine companion got an infection in both of her ears resulting in the almost complete closure of her ear canal.

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But help came in the form of Jane Collins, who had befriended the pair, and she got in touch with Animal Rescue Cumbria, who agreed to facilitate the much-needed treatment.

Dingo was initially seen by Racheal Lang from the Westmorland Veterinary Group at the charity’s shelter at Kappellan, near Grayrigg.

Her ears were flushed, a treatment was put in under general anaesthetic, and she was spayed at the same time.

The procedure had limited success and concern grew as staff worried whether they were able to help Dingo.

The treatment was later repeated and vets began to see a gradual improvement with the steroid medication Dingo had been given.

She stayed at the shelter for a few weeks while recovering.

“No others would help but the care and treatment received with the help of Animal Rescue Cumbria and Westmorland Veterinary Group has been incredible and I am so happy to say that Dingo is like a new dog,” said Karl.

The charity’s regular vet, Mary Crackles from the Westmorland Veterinary Group, who visits the shelter weekly, checked Dingo’s progress on a number of occasions and last week was able to sign her off with no further treatments required once the current course of medication is completed.

“Dingo came to the practice with both ears sore, inflamed and she was reluctant for us to examine them,” she said.

“We are all delighted with her response to treatment and hope that long-term she can enjoy a happy and comfortable life.”