An animal-lover has nursed a sick and starving dog from the brink of death to full health after the poorly pooch was brought into her work.

Caring Dawn Houghton wasn’t sure if seriously underweight stray Copper would be alive in the morning after she agreed to adopt the cross-breed.

Now the energetic hound is the picture of health after being given a careful diet and plenty of love and affection.

Copper’s ribs were sticking through his fur when he was found abandoned by dog wardens last winter.

They initially took him to a local kennel but he was immediately transferred to Companion Care vet surgery - inside Romford Pets at Home store – where it was discovered he had contracted the potentially deadly canine parvovirus.

It was there that Dawn, the deputy manger at the Rom Valley Way store, made the decision to keep Copper, who was not microchipped.

She said: “I fell in love with Copper the minute I saw him and immediately wanted to help, starting by offering him a new home.

“The first few weeks were very difficult and I could never be sure if Copper would still be alive by the time I’d wake up.

“Jason, the store’s nutritionist, designed a diet plan for Copper as feeding him too much, too soon could have done more harm than good.

“I also had to bring Copper in for regular check-ups.”

After three months, Copper was back to a reasonably safe weight and he also started “opening up.”

Dawn said: “He was, understandably, very shy and nervous when I first re-homed him, but with the care and love he received, he became more active and playful.

“He is now back to his best - about 20kgs heavier - and a big fan of long walks and playtime!”