PLEASE whisper a gentle welcome to our dog of the week, young Scottie girl Isla.

Isla arrived very unceremoniously at the Dogs Home last Monday morning. When staff members arrived to open up the Dogs Home at 7am they heard soft whimpering sounds from somewhere in the garden.

Eventually they found little Isla hiding in a small outdoor kennel, which is sometimes used by the resident kitty. Isla was frightened and crying pitifully.

Isla was in a shocking condition, she has clearly been used to breed from with absolutely no concern or care for her welfare. Her legs are weak and emaciated and she appears to have a deformed front paw, which makes it very difficult for her to walk.

Isla wasn't well enough to stay in a kennel, and the staff didn't want her to spend the next few days lonely and scared at the vets, so one of the volunteers has kindly stepped in to be Isla's 'foster mum' for a little while.

This is what Christine, Isla's foster mum says about her: "Isla is an extremely affectionate little dog, she follows me around like a shadow. She has ignored my cat and only shown a little interest in our free ranging chickens. She is very sweet with my two dogs and sleeps in the puppy pen, overnight. Toilet training is coming on well, though I am taking her out very often, like a puppy. She loves her food and is not an ounce of trouble. Although her deformed paw makes her limp badly, she is loving her frequent outings into the garden and is becoming increasingly adventurous. I think that she would love a home where she would get lots of attention and cuddles and with a good sized, grassed garden, as it can be uncomfortable for her to walk on hard surfaces.

If you'd like to meet Isla please contact the Dogs Home on 01633 290901.