A severely neglected St Bernard dog who had to have both his ears amputated has finally found love and a new home.

Years of fighting for food in a garden with other dogs had left Boris with ears each weighing 400g – the same as a tin of beans.

He was taken in by Eileen Mellis and Kerri Eilertsen-Feeney, of Cinque Ports Rescue in Meryl Gardens, Deal, in February.

After two successful operations to remove “the dead weights hanging from his head”, the lovable canine has been rehomed with Louise Herrick and her family in Culcheth, Warrington .

Mrs Herrick said: “The kids wanted a ‘Beethoven’ dog and I’d said they could so I went online looking for one.

“I was going to get a puppy but then up came Boris and I couldn’t believe it. I read his story and just thought this is the dog for us.”

Mrs Herrick is a mum and foster mum to four children aged between eight and 21.

She explained to the children that when they foster they don’t always take new-born babies, they welcome anyone of any age, and they all agreed on Boris.

“It’s just about being able to love them,” she said.

Mrs Herrick sent an application forward for Boris and received a call from Cinque Ports Rescue on Good Friday, inviting her to visit him.

On April 22, after the dog’s second operation, the family came to Deal.

Mrs Herrick said: “We bought him home that day and he’s just delicious. He’s fitted into the family so perfectly.

“He’s so placid considering everything he’s been through.

“He comes everywhere with us so he’s not left alone. He’s already well known in the village.”

On a Saturday night, when the family gather around the television, Boris wedges himself among them on the sofa.

“He’s so, so loved and he knows it,” she added.

Mrs Mellis said: “Louise kept in touch throughout his recovery, offered him a home and after vetting and a home check we invited her down to meet him.

“It was love at first sight!

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who followed Boris’ story and donated toys, treats and money towards his veterinary expenses.

“We are particularly grateful to Lukas Rybczynski and his team at Lakeview Veterinary Centre.”

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