Here’s a story to warm your Christmas cockles. The brilliant Happy Endings Animal Sanctuary in Bexley had saved an unloved puppy who faced being put down unless he had an expensive operation.

Alfie, a greyhound and Labrador cross, was abandoned by four families in just four months before he was taken in by staff at Happy Endings Animal Rescue Sanctuary.

After his miserable start in life sanctuary staff were dismayed to discover the loveable pup had a deadly liver condition which could only be fixed with a £3,500 operation.

Luckily after hearing of his plight the sanctuary was flooded with donations by kind animal lovers and a specialist vet came forward offering to perform the highly-specialised operation for a discount.

Terry Kemp, a veterinary nurse who founded Happy Endings in Hailsham, East Sussex, said: "We cannot believe how generous people are.

"A lot of animals that we take in have been abused and mistreated by people so all the donations and messages of support have really restored our faith in humankind.

"Thanks to the donations, and the generosity of Davies Veterinary Specialists, Alfie will be getting the absolutely best possible care."

The 21 week-old pup was given to the sanctuary by a woman in Dartford, Kent, who said he had already had three homes before she got him.

Alfie was examined by a vet and an ultrasound scan revealed a rare condition called a liver shunt - a problem with his circulation system where blood in a vein that passes through the liver does not get the toxins cleaned out of it.

The condition means the pup's bloodstream is being flooded with toxic waste such as ammonia which causes sickness and can also lead to diarrhoea, fits, brain damage and neurological problems.

Alfie has been examined by Carolyn Burton, a vet who specialises in treating liver shunts and has been put on antibiotics and medication for three weeks before he returns to see if he can undergo surgery for the condition.

Dr Clive Elwood, European Specialist in small animal medicine and managing director at Davies Veterinary Specialists, said: “Ultrasound of Alfie suggested that, rather than a single shunting blood vessel, he has multiple shunts.

"These are most likely caused by disease of the liver and are typically not amenable to surgical correction. Alfie is now on medical treatment for three weeks to try and stabilise him before we see him again for procedures.

"The next step is a portovenogram, which is where dye is injected into a vein and x-ray is used to trace the connection of the blood vessels, to confirm his condition. We may then need to take a liver biopsy during the same procedure. Hopefully this will give us a more definitive picture and indicate treatment options and prognosis.

“Alfie is a smashing dog, with a lovely temperament and he seems such a happy soul despite his condition. We are so pleased to provide our services, to give him the best possible chance of recovery and to reward everyone's generous care and contributions.”

Chris Johns, who founded Happy Ending with Mr Kemp, added: "Alfie has really picked up since he's been on the medication and specialist food. He's getting into all sorts of mischief like any normal puppy."

He added: "We would sincerely thank everyone who has made a donation towards Alfie's appeal.

"We were heartbroken at the prospect of losing him but now he's been given a life-line, a real chance for a happy, healthy life and hopefully a new and final home."

The sanctuary, which also has a base in Knockholt, has been flooded with an influx of abandoned cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, goats, sheep, horses and donkeys as the credit crunch bites.

    

Anyone who wants to make a donation towards Alfie's longterm care or Happy Endings work can do so through the sanctuary's website www.happyendingsrescue.org.