Collie-cross Mollie, for whom the Evening Advertiser found a happy home last Christmas, has died.

Mollie was taken in by pet lover Betty Cook who read her story in the newspaper last September. We told how ten-year-old Mollie was found wandering the streets of Penhill hungry and dirty.

She was taken to the dog pound and was in danger of being put down because an owner had not been found.

Fortunately for Mollie, Mrs Cook, 61, read her story in the Advertiser and decided she had to do something to help. Although Mollie has passed away Mrs Cook is happy that she got to spend at least one year with the dog.

"She was a wonderful gentle dog, my grandchildren absolutely loved her. I'm going to miss her a lot."

Mrs Cook, who has three other dogs, hopes Mollie's story serves as a warning to people who are thinking of giving a dog as a present this coming Christmas.

"Dog's should simply not be given as presents," she said.

"I was fortunate to have Mollie for one year but it was as shame that she had to suffer the way she did and lose some of her dignity. At least when she was put down she had some of her dignity back."