A lurcher who was dumped and left tied to a tree by a Hertfordshire footpath just days before Christmas has been adopted into a loving new family.

Poor Fred was found abandoned by the footpath near a busy housing estate in Bedmond, Abbotts Langley on December 21.

He had no microchip and no collar and no identifying features other than the bright yellow lead that was used to attach him to the tree.

At the time RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith said she was heartbroken when she saw Fred’s reaction to her arriving to rescue him.

“It is so upsetting anyone would dump a dog - let alone such a sweet natured dog. He is so friendly. When I found him he was actually in a good condition so thankfully he can’t have been there too long and he was clearly been somebody's pet at some point.

“As soon as I arrived in my van and untied him he jumped straight in. He was such a sweetie, I couldn’t resist giving him a big cuddle before taking him to an RSPCA centre to be looked after.”

Sadly Fred’s owner could not be traced and he was later rehomed from the charity’s RSPCA Southridge Centre in Potter’s Bar last month. (February) New owner Carole Challen said she is absolutely smitten with the newest member of her family - and feels like he knows he has finally found home.

She said: “We adopted Fred about a month ago and he has really settled in well. He has been getting used to family life and in the last couple of weeks it feel like he knows he is finally home and has a sense of belonging now.

“He loves company and nothing better than a cuddle on the sofa but can also be quite mischievous!

“Everybody we meet loves him so we know how lucky we are and hope he feels the same too.

“He is just gorgeous, so affectionate and loving. You would never know what he went through. We love him to bits.”