A three-legged dog who was abused as a puppy found her forever home with a three generation family on Valentine’s Day.

American bulldog-cross Meli, who has been at rescue charity Futures for Dogs in Sandwich since June last year, has been re-homed with the Cowdrey family – Rita, 77, Diana, 48 and Emma, 30, of Dover Road.

She won their hearts after featuring in last week’s Mercury alongside a love poem she had written.

Futures for Dogs volunteer Mandy Samuel said: “We couldn’t wish for her to go to a better home.”

The family said they first spotted Meli in the Mercury last October but by the time they read it, the opportunity to meet her had passed.

Mrs Rita Cowdrey said: “She looked so beautiful. I said to the others what a shame, we’ve missed it. We thought someone would have taken her so we never did anything about it.”

Then the women saw her advertised in a house window in Sandwich and again in the paper.

Mrs Cowdrey, who has had dobermans in the past, said: “We all had a chat about it and then called them.

“We went down to the Guildhall and met her and fell in love. She came straight up, she seemed to be so happy with us.

“We took her out for a walk along the rope walk. She was so friendly.

“We just thought she so deserved a happy life and we wanted to give it to her.”

Meli, who had to have her front leg and shoulder removed at 17-weeks due to cruel abuse, moved in with her new owners on Valentine’s Day and has already firmly found her spot on the sofa.

Volunteer Mandy Samuel added: “It’s absolutely wonderful. They’ve got a fenced garden and a baby gate at the bottom of their stairs.

“They have had dogs in the past and understand the special needs of Meli.”

Despite her traumatic past, the centre say Meli turned in to be a “marvellous dog” and they will all miss her.

If you would like to foster or adopt a dog, visit www.futuresfordogs.co.uk