A blind dog who was tied up and left to die needs a new home after an operation to save her sight was unsuccessful.

The plight of springer spaniel Delphine, abandoned in Maidstone in May, touched the hearts of hundreds who rallied round to raise the £2,500 needed for the surgery.

But the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket could not save the dog’s vision after specialists discovered the sight loss had been caused by an underlying condition, although a cataract was removed successfully.

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Christine Dooley, of Leybourne RSPCA, said: "We have taught her to respond to voice commands to help her find her way around without bumping into things and her new owners will need to carry on with that training.

"We have all got a soft spot for Delphine. She has got such a sweet nature and loves nothing better than laying on the grass in the sun. She is good with other dogs but is naturally very nervous of sudden and loud noises."

Staff at RSPCA Leybourne have been helping Delphine find her feet by saying 'through' when going through doorways, 'care' when she has to squeeze through a tight space and 'up and down' to negotiate steps.

Owners of blind pets can also use different smells and textured mats to help their pets find their way around homes and gardens.

Consistency is important to blind pets so the same RSPCA volunteer walks Delphine on the same route each day.

Christine added: "Delphine has been badly let down by her previous owner so deserves a home where she will be lavished with love and affection.

"There are going to be very few people who can dedicate the time Delphine needs to build up a bond with them but we we know those special new owners are out there somewhere."

Delphine needs a calm, uncluttered home with patient owners able to continue her medical treatment.

If you can help contact RSPCA Leybourne on 0300 1230751.