A BADLY mistreated dog which made a remarkable recovery is now bringing new hope to a North Yorkshire ME sufferer.

West Highland Terrier Misty has had an eventful few months.

In late summer this year, she was found wandering around South Milford, near Selby, covered in painful sores and having difficulty in breathing.

At about the same time, another dog of the same breed was also found in the area, apparently lost, and suffering from a large mammary tumour. Both were rescued and taken to Rose Farm kennels, near Church Fenton, where they immediately seemed to recognise each other.

Selby District Council dog warden Bill Parker said at the time that they were some of the worst cases of neglect he had seen during 13 years in his job.

Now one of the dogs, renamed Misty, has been taken in by 53-year-old ME sufferer Marcie Stancer, of South Milford, who says the animal is "perfect" for her.

Marcie, who has suffered from ME for about ten years, is in constant pain with a condition associated with the illness.

The terrier means Marcie can leave the house while she walks her dog - something she has been urged to do by her doctor. Walking outdoors will help prevent Marcie from "seizing up" and becoming housebound - a real concern for many sufferers of the illness.

"Misty's really good company for me," she said.

"I wasn't getting out at all. I'm hoping that with Misty I'll move about more - and I'm hoping that will help me.

"She's so easy, she fits in with me so well."

The terrier has made a dramatic improvement in just a few weeks, said Marcie.

"Before, her back end had all been eaten away by maggots - now it's all glowing and she's starting to look like a normal little dog," she said.

"She loves to be loved - she loves to be cuddled and stroked."

The other dog found in South Milford has also been rehomed.

Updated: 10:06 Tuesday, October 19, 2004