A THREE-legged dog has given a 'paw-up' to impressive new kennels at Trafford's Society for Abandoned Animals - eight months after a Messenger-backed fundraising campaign saved the centre.

Six-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier-cross Bruno was the first canine 'guest' to sample the state-of-the-art kennels, which have replaced outmoded ones that closed 18 months ago.

The new facilities have been completed thanks to a Messenger-backed ‘Save our Sanctuary’ (SOS) campaign raised £50,000 to prevent the cash-strapped 45-year-old centre from closure.

But, even though the kennels are superb, Bruno is not staying on there - as he has become the first dog to be rehomed after completion of the £10,000 project.

His new owner is the animal sanctuary's general manager, Bob Gregson, who couldn't resist the lovable pooch - who has twice been nursed back to fitness by the sanctuary.

Bruno has cancer which will cut his life short, and no-one knows how long he has left.

Bob said: "I want to make sure that every day is the best day of his life."

Bruno - who lost his leg at a young age in a road accident - was first taken to the animal sanctuary in December 2009.

The sanctuary eventually found him a new home, but he came back to the sanctuary when the new owner became unable to look after him because of a change in circumstances.

When he returned he was in a very poor condition, suffering from dehydration, malnutrition and with multiple sores.

Now though, he has regained his strength and has settled in with Bob and his two other dogs, as a member of the ‘pack’.

Bob added: "On walks with his new pack he is so happy it seems as if he is smiling."

Bob said the Messenger had played a vital role in saving the sanctuary and ensuring it had the funds to upgrade its facilities.

He said: “The momentum of the SOS campaign has led to us being in a position to improve facilities for all our animals.

“I would like to thank Messenger readers for really caring about animals, and contributing both time and money to help them.

“Financially, things are still difficult, so improvements are being done in phases.”

*Everyone has a chance to see the new kennels when they are unveiled at an open day and the 'Dogs Day Out and All Trophy Dog Show' between 12noon and 4pm on June 26 at the Society for Abandoned Animals, Mosley Acre Farm, Barfoot Bridge, off Dane Road, Sale.