AFTER being found close to death Willow the whippet has made a miraculous recovery and is looking forward to 2012.

The three-year-old was in a terrible state when she was found in Redmarley Road on October 17 and it was feared she would not survive.

The end of her tail and tips of her ears were missing and she was covered in pressure sores.

Forest of Dean District Council's street warden Rob Carpenter was contacted by the Mill Park Veterinary Surgery where Willow was treated.

Rob took her to the district kennels where she was cared for by staff before going to Rachel Knapton of Whippet Rescue, where she is now thriving despite showing mental scars.

Rob said: "She was really emaciated and frightened of people. As a dog lover it was really sad to see. We did not even know if she would survive as she was so thin.

"But now she looks healthy and beautiful although she is still scared of people."

Rachel Knapton from?Whippet Rescue said:?"When she was found it's a wonder she wasn't dead – in 29 years I have never seen a dog looking so bad. Now she is bouncing and bounding and an absolutely stunning dog.

"She is terrified of people and would need to be rehomed with a single person or a very quiet home. She is very active.

"The District Council's Street Warden was wonderful and has visited Willow since to see how she is. He really does care about her."

Anyone who discovers a stray dog should contact the district council on 01594 810000 or out of hours on 06505 820220. You will be asked to give a description of the dog, details of whether it is wearing identification and the area where the dog has been lost or found.

One of the council's street wardens will then come out to collect the animal as soon as possible. If the dog has a collar or microchip it will then be reunited with its owner. If it has no identification it will be cared for at a kennels.?After seven days, if the dog has not been reunited with its owner it will be offered for adoption and found a suitable new home.