HEARTBROKEN shelter staff revealed a severely-malnourished dog they rescued last month only has weeks to live.

After reading about the awful state staff found Meisha in when she was rescued from a home, generous readers donated to Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter's appeal to help nurse her back to health.

Sadly, that money will now be used to give her the best possible care in her last few weeks after a large mass was found in her chest.

Staff also hope to buy her a warm new coat and a few treats to make her time as comfortable as possible.

The rest will be used in the six-and-a-half-year-old crossbreed's memory to help other dogs at the shelter in Newland, near Malvern.

Claire Tregunna, shelter manager, said at the time of her rescue in January Meisha was so weak she could not stand and needed to be carried in a sling.

"She came into WARS in a very poor state.

"After checks by the vet she was discovered to be suffering from malnutrition.

"She has slowly gained in strength but also was found to have a nasty abscess between her toes which made it painful to walk.

"Some love and care by a wonderful foster family and some antibiotics have helped her to feel much better. "However she has always been very wheezy.

"Originally it was believed she had a chest infection but when antibiotics did not solve the issue the vet suggested an x-ray.

"It is with a heavy heart we have to report that it was discovered that Meisha has a large mass in her chest.

"Sadly, due to the size and location it is inoperable.

"She is doing well, and is happy and comfortable in a foster home at the moment.

"She is getting lots of TLC and being spoilt rotten.

"Here she will stay whilst we keep her comfortable for however long she may have left.

"We want to thank you all for the kind donations you have given to help towards Meisha's care, some of which will now go to ensure she has the best time possible in however long she has left.

"Maybe we will even buy her a brand new jumper to keep her warm.

"Please be assured any money donated to her fund, if not used towards her care, will go towards the care of other dogs and cats in need, in Meisha's memory.

"The campaign is still running for anyone who wishes to donate so we can spoil her and also help care for others just like her.

"Such as little Flipper who has an issue with his back legs and a heart murmur.

"He requires an x-ray to see the extent of the issues.

"Also Winston, a 7 year old bulldog who has Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly known as dry eye, in both eyes which needs treatment as well as a serious food intolerance which affects his skin.

"Thank you all again, from everyone at WARS, your generosity has been over whelming."

To donate, log on to justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/wars/meisha.

Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to WARS and sent to WARS (Meisha Campaign), Hawthorn Lane, Newland, WR13 5BD.