A three-legged dog who was starved and abused in Turkey is being brought to the UK by an ex-army amputee.
John Hopkinson, 43, heard about Popseys plight after a chance encounter with a volunteer from The Pointer Rescue Service in Salisbury Hospital.
Rescue worker Liz Gee said the English Pointer was abandoned by her owner who left her with horrendous injuries including a rotten foot that had to be amputated.
She was taken in by a Turkish rescue shelter in 2016 but was never re-homed as most people who visited wanted the perfect dog.
But John, whose life changed forever when he fell through a fire escape and lost his leg in 2016, knew instantly that he wanted to adopt Popsey without even meeting her.
He told Metro.co.uk: It was an unexpected encounter but when I heard she had three legs I just knew I had to take her.
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I feel like she needs protecting after whats happened. Even though I have only got one leg I will battle for her. I will look after her and protect her and she will be able to save me.
I am really low. She will pick me up and force me to get up to feed her and take her on a walk. Then when she is down I will massage her stump.
John, from Portsmouth, worked in the army for 18 years before returning home to work as a labourer.
He had his accident just three days into his new job and said he hasnt had much to smile about since having his leg amputated.
