A twist in the tale as couple decide to return TV dog

A COUPLE have had to say farewell to their new dog Poppy just a week after rehoming her.

Featured in The Comet last week, Poppy the Jack Russell terrier scooted into the lives of Les and Val Fisher after they spotted her on a TV show.

Poppy's distinguishing features were a set of wheels.

She used these to get around following a back injury that severely affected the use of her back legs.

But the Fishers, of Austen Paths, Stevenage, found the little two-wheeled canine too much of a risk around their small grandchildren.

Les said: "On Christmas Day when we were with my son, Poppy reacted really badly and snarled at him whenever he came near me.

"Then Poppy just suddenly tried to go for my grandchild, who's just one.

"Poppy went berserk, she was snarling and growling and I had to hold her back, we just can't handle it."

Les and Val have 11 grandchildren and decided it wouldn't be sensible to keep her.

Les said: "We just can't trust Poppy.

"It was all tears when we decided she had to go back. We really didn't want to do it but it's just too risky to keep her."

The couple believe that Poppy would be best suited to a lone owner without children or other pets.

"When she was with us, at home on our own, she was a lovely dog and we just hope she finds a new home soon." said Les.

Poppy is now back at Teckels Animal Welfare Centre in Whitminster, Gloucestershire.

Manager Joan Barrett said: "It broke our hearts to see her go and it broke our hearts when she came back too.

"But she went straight back into her box and checked out all of her old toys, and some new ones."

Poppy is looking for a new home again.

"I think ideally Poppy would suit someone who doesn't have other dogs. She is a lovely dog and gives a lot of love and attention, but needs a lot back." said Mrs Barrett.

Anyone who thinks they may be able to offer Poppy a home should contact Teckels on 01452 740300.