Blind puppy Bea saved after being rejected by breeder

Blind puppy Bea's tail is still wagging after she was rescued from being put down following rejection from her breeder.

The five-week-old Yorkshire Terrier was taken to the vets to be put down because it was thought her disability would stop her from selling.

But a worried nurse saved Bea, taking her to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and enabling her to bark another day.

After being treated at the animal charity's veterinary hospital, she was taken on by a foster nurse to ensure round-the-clock-care.

The dog's young age means that she needs to be hand-reared.

Battersea's head vet, Shaun Opperman, assessed Bea and determined that while she has extremely limited vision which may continue to deteriorate, she is more than able to live a full and happy life.

He said: "Bea copes really well with her disability - she quickly maps out the room she's in and is soon hopping around happily.

"Like any puppy, she loves to play and you often see her running around the room carrying a tennis ball that's even bigger than she is.

"We don't expect her to be here very long once she's ready to go to a new home."

He added that the dog has been socialising with other dogs and has taken a particular liking to a member of staff's golden Labrador, Barney, and the pair play together for hours.

Mr Opperman said: "Bea's story goes to show how unscrupulous the world of dog breeding and puppy sales can be.

"Dogs are not commodities - just because they may not sell for much money doesn't mean they should just be written off.

"If a breeder does not want to care for a dog like Bea, then we would encourage them to please bring them to a rescue centre rather than putting them to sleep. They deserve a chance."