RUBY, a one-year-old terrier from Tottington, has been chosen as the North West's PDSA (People's Dispensary For Sick Animals) Frontline Pet Survivor of the Year.

Ruby, who lives with the MacKenzie family at Turton Nook Farm off Turton Road was hit by a vehicle on the busy main road in April.

The children's father, Mr Gus MacKenzie, explained: "One of our dogs had learnt how to open the gate, two of them managed to get away but Ruby was hit on Turton Road."

She sustained two broken front legs, spinal shock and damage.

Mr MacKenzie, a veterinary surgeon, immediately rushed the injured terrier to his surgery, Armac Veterinary Clinic in Bury.

"I really thought she wouldn't make it. The people who picked her up thought she was dead."

He operated on Ruby and she spent two weeks in intensive care before being allowed back home just before Easter.

As regional winners the MacKenzie family, Gus, his wife, Rosemary, Robert (9) and Sarah (8) received an oil painting of their brave pet plus pet magazine subscription and other pet related goods.

Ruby now goes forward to the national finals at the Coventry Hilton National next month, when she will line-up alongside four cats, one dog, a guinea pig and a rabbit, in her quest for the title. The winner will win a holiday and a silver plate to mark their success.

The Pet Survivor of the Year award is presented annually to the pluckiest pets to survive life-threatening illness or injury. It is organised by the PDSA - Britain's largest veterinary charity, in co-operation with pet company Frontline.

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