A PUPPY that was abandoned and thrown out of a van in Torfaen in September has recovered from surgery and been adopted.

‘River’, thought to be a Saluki Lurcher-cross, was just seven months old when he was abandoned.

When he was examined at a vets, he was found to be riddled with worms and fleas, as well as suffering from osteoarthritis and severe muscle wastage in one hip.

Following fundraising activities from the charity and The Dogs of Torfaen Facebook page, £1,750 was raised to cover River’s hip surgery.

Vanessa Waddon, transformation manager at Hope Rescue, said: “We are absolutely delighted that River finally has the happy ending he deserves.

“His story is shocking, but sometimes ending up in a stray dog pound is the best thing that can happen to a dog.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to our supporters for helping to fund his vet care, and of course his new owner Sybille for opening her heart and home to River.”

On social media, Hope Rescue also thanked the members of the Dogs of Torfaen page for rallying together and helping to raise the funds for River's operation.