A heavily pregnant spaniel found tied to a tree and left for dead “in the middle of nowhere” is lucky to have survived along with her pups.

She was discovered by chance in woods near Wye by a couple walking their dog and taken to an animal charity where she gave birth just three days later.

Eight of her nine pups survived and they and mum are now being cared for at the Lord Whisky Sanctuary at Stelling Minnis near Canterbury.

Staff there have named her Faith and say it was only good luck that she was found in the nick of time.

Sanctuary owner Margaret Todd believes she was abandoned because she was pregnant and the owners did not want the responsibility of them.

But she says leaving her in woods in the hope she might be found could have ended in tragedy for the dog and her litter.

“It was only quite by chance that she was found by a couple walking their dog in quite a remote area in the middle of nowhere near Wye,” she said.

“Had they not come across her, she would have been alone and frightened while giving birth which could have ended badly.

“Faith is a friendly little dog and a wonderful mum who does not show any signs of being mistreated. So we can only think that her owners could not cope with a pregnant dog or were not in a position to look after her.

“It is so sad that they did not ask for help because if these kind people had not found her and brought her to us, the outcome doesn't bear thinking about.”

Mrs Todd says this year has been the worst in her memory for dogs being abandoned or brought into the sanctuary which now has about 30 needing homes.

“Many people are struggling with the cost of living and issues with accommodation where they don’t allow pets,” she added.

“These pups will all need good homes and ideally we’d like them to go in pairs.

“They are almost six weeks old now and will need vaccinating but will be ready for new owners very soon.

“We have homes for the two girls but the six boys are available and we want one to go with Faith who has been a wonderful mum.”

Anyone interested in a puppy or Faith can call the sanctuary on 01304 862622.