A dog left tied to a fence back in the New Year has finally found his forever home in time for Christmas.

George was found back on January 8 in the rain outside the RSPCA Medway West Branch centre in Chatham - which was closed at the time.

A kind-hearted member of the public found him and took him to a local vet where he was found to be underweight and suffering from a severe flea allergy. The RSPCA was contacted and collected George and so began his long road to recovery - which included lots of medicated baths, and TLC.

Staff at the Leybourne Animal Centre treated his skin condition and then worked with him to get him ready to be rehomed.

Lucky George soon found the right owner - with Gretta and Sal Schifano and their family, from Surrey - who had initially been looking at another dog but were told by Leybourne that they felt George could be the perfect match for them.

Gretta and the family had lost their beloved dog Bluebell the previous year and one of their rescue cats.

As Gretta was looking to rehome during lockdown the first time they met George was when he came to their home in April this year.

They had spent a lot of time speaking to the Leybourne staff who carried out virtual home visits and chats about George.

Gretta said: “It was a very special day for us when George came home - he really is the friendliest dog you could meet and everyone just adores him. He’s a real character and just such a friendly, happy, positive, bouncy boy and he loves his doggie frisbee.

“George just wants to be friends with everyone - he can see foxes from our garden and even wags his tail in the hope they will be his friend. He loves watching them.

“We are just so happy to have George as part of our family and we are looking forward to our first Christmas with him.”

Despite an investigation, no one was ever traced in connection with George’s case.

RSPCA Inspector Kirsten Ormerod said: “He had just been left tied up to a fence on a day when it was so cold and it was pouring with rain. We were so grateful to the member of the public who found him and went above and beyond to ensure he was taken to a safe place.

“George found a special place in my heart because despite his terrible ordeal he was one one of the sweetest and friendliest dogs I’ve ever met. I'm so happy that he has found such a loving new home and that he’s got a family to call his own."

She added: “This is why we do our job - to help animals and there’s no better feeling when you know that the animal you have helped has gone on to have a wonderful life and second chance. I am sure George will have his best Christmas ever with his wonderful new family.”

To help the RSPCA rescue animals such as George, find out about the Christmas Rescue by clicking here.