A PAIR of Worcester animal lovers, who have given a terminally ill dog a new lease of life, want to discover its name.

The elderly whippet has a tumour on one of its legs and is only expected to live another 12 to 18 months.

The animal had been abandoned in Redditch and was going to be put down if nobody claimed it.

But John and Christine McGann, of Ellsdon Rise, Kempsey, who have owned whippets before, rescued the dog from The Kennels and gave it a home.

"We're really soft," said Mr McGann, 45. "We've always had dogs so we took her in. The problem is that she won't answer to anything.

"We've tried lots of different names, but when we take her out she runs off. We keep shouting, but she doesn't come back for ages."

"I am trying to get her used to being called Lady," said Mrs McGann, 54. "But that doesn't seem to be working either. She comes to me when I have got food - she loves her food."

The couple, who have had four rescue dogs before, are hoping that someone will recognise the whippet, which was found by police in Redditch, and tell them its name.

"She's very good," said Mr McGann. "She doesn't seem to be in any pain. It doesn't bother her very much, but one of her legs is twice the size of the rest."

Mrs McGann said they had differing information on how long a dog with a tumour of this size could survive.

"The vet told us she would last 12 months but another owner, whose dog had the same thing, said she would live for another 18 months.

"She wouldn't come out for a walk if it was bothering her - dogs soon tell you if they are hurt," she said.

Anyone who thinks they know the dog's name can contact the couple on 01905 820830.