A RESCUE dog who needed life-saving surgery to remove growths across his body has found a new home with the vet who saved him.

German shepherd crossbreed Alfie was brought into the care of the RSPCA for rehoming in October 2017 after his owner could no longer look after him.

The 11-year-old dog was collected by inspector Anthony Joynes who was concerned for his welfare.

Alfie was covered in lumps and had a large growth on his tail, his coat was also very matted so Insp Joynes took him to Upton Vets.

He was then checked over by the staff who, concerned about the large growth on his tail, booked him in for surgery the following day to have it amputated.

After spending the night with one of the practice’s vet nurses, Alfie underwent the successful operation, along with a dental procedure and a much-needed haircut carried out by vet Becky Taylor-MacAlpine.

But after growing increasingly fond of Alfie, Becky’s support didn’t end there and she agreed to foster him for two weeks until a kennel became available at a nearby rehoming centre.

Fast-forward three months and Alfie is still living with Becky and her husband Dan.

Becky told the Globe: “We decided to keep Alfie long-term because he’s settled in so perfectly into the family.

"He’s one of ours now so we couldn’t send him anywhere else.

“He is doing really well and loves long walks and camping trips with our other rescue dog Boris - they are the best of friends and are inseparable and always up to mischief.”

Elderly Alfie has fully recovered from his operation, built up muscle in his legs and is now running around happily.

He has also put on 10kg since moving in with Dan and Becky.

Becky added: “Alfie loves his home comforts and has moved himself into the spare room at bed time to lounge on a double bed all to himself.

"When we first met Alfie we thought he might not have that long left, now he’s fully recovered from his operations he is full of life and energy and we hope he will be with us for years to come.”

Thankfully, the lumps that were removed from Alfie’s body were sent for testing and were found to not be dangerous.

Insp Joynes said: “Alfie was in a bit of a state when I first collected him, and even though he was getting on a bit in years, I knew he could be healthier, and happier.

“Vet Becky and her team at the vet surgery did a cracking job of treating Alfie, particularly as those growths could have potentially been life-threatening. I was so pleased that she formed a really strong bond with him - enough that she couldn’t part with him!

“It’s a wonderful part of my job to see animals go on to be rehomed and it’s particularly special when an older dogs get a new lease of life, as Alfie so clearly has done with Becky and Dan.”

Alfie's story will feature on Channel 5's The Dog Rescuers on Tuesday, July 31 from 8pm.