AS THE saying goes, a dog is for life, not just for Christmas, a sentiment clearly lost on the cruel owners of a blind puppy found dumped in a park.

Belle, a 12-week-old Labrador cross, was found in the park a week before Christmas Day.

She is now being looked after by staff at the Happy Endings rescue centre in Faversham, who are hoping to raise thousands of pounds to save her sight.

She appears to be blind in both eyes, and was either born that way or suffered a severe head trauma.

Happy Endings want to raise the funds for her to receive specialist treatment at the Royal Veterinary College in London.

They also hope to find whoever was responsible for mistreating the small dog.

After hearing what happened, Terry Davis, from Sittingbourne, took a special interest in the case and set up a campaign to help.

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Mr Davis, 65, said: "I just thought what a terrible thing for someone to do. That's why I've done what I've done.

"I'm sure there are millions of people out there who thought the same thing.

"The dog was blind and they just dumped it in a park.

"They could have taken it to Battersea Dog's Home, somewhere like that, but they didn't.

"Happy Endings says it needs around £5,000 so I have started a campaign to raise money and donated the first £500.

"I am also offering a £500 reward to whoever knows who is responsible."

Happy Endings co-founder Chris Johns added: "We cannot understand how someone could just leave an animal like this.

"We cannot tell if she is in pain or how serious the damage is to her eyes.

"We have been told to get specialist help however this treatment is going to cost thousands of pounds and this is money we just don't have.

"She has so much love and life to give, it's clear she has been around people as she is friendly and responds to your voice.

"With the right care and rehabilitation she could have a full, healthy life."

To donate money to Belle's cause click here.

If you know who was responsible for dumping Belle, call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.