THE sad story of an abandoned dog was given a happy ending after her pictured appeared in the Argus.

Bella, a mongrel, is one in a long line of animals to find a family thanks to a joint effort by the Argus and the RSPCA.

The dog's new owners, Rachel and Dave Groves said they were excited when they picked her up from the RSPCA Centre in Newport yesterday.

Mrs Groves, 22, said: "We have been looking forward to picking her up all week. We were originally after a puppy but a week ago we saw Bella.

"She has got big puppy eyes and she came up to lick my hand and we just fell in love. She is quite excitable so she will probably be a lot of fun, but I also hope she will cuddle up on the sofa and watch soaps with me."

The couple, from the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, both grew up with dogs around them and wanted one after getting married a year ago.

They have made all the preparations and bought lots of cuddly toys for the new family member.

Mrs Groves said: "I have got my parents coming down to see her. Later we will take her out for a walk and see what she thinks of her new home."

Bella's picture was printed in the Argus with an appeal for help.

Vicky Whiteman, manager at the RSPCA Centre in Newport, said: "We have re-homed quite a few pets thanks to the Argus. It is getting people to come down to the centre and at least making them realise that we have more animals than just dogs and cats."

The centre, which costs £610 a day to run, also has dog training classes. There will be an open day in June with an exemption dog show, a fun event for dog-lovers.

l If you think you could give a home to a pet featured in this column you can find the RSPCA Animal Centre in Ringland Way, Ringland, Newport, NP6 2LL, or call 0870 010 1844.