THE owner of Shadow – the dog who captured the hearts of Argus readers earlier this week – said she burst into tears when she found out members of the public had raised enough money to reunite her family with their four-legged friend.

"I'm so overwhelmed by the kindness of these random strangers," she said. "It's really warming that people are so kind."

On Tuesday, Christina Cross told the Argus how her four children were "devastated" to be apart from Shadow, who was being kept at a local authority kennel after running away over Christmas.

Ms Cross, a single mum, said she was unable to afford the £179 Newport City Council wanted before Shadow was returned home.

READ MORE: Newport family's dog being kept in kennels until they can afford £179 council fee

But thanks to the generosity of people who donated to an internet fundraising page set up on behalf of Ms Cross' family, the money was raised in just two hours.

Shadow will be re-united with Ms Cross and her children in the next few days, when the money from the fundraising website is transferred.

Since Tuesday, the Argus has also received several calls from people around Gwent who offered to pay, either in part or completely, for Shadow to be released from the kennels.

When Ms Cross was told about this, she had a message of thanks to everyone who offered their support.

"It's so thoughtful, and really nice to know there are so many good people out there. They're really amazing," she said.

Ms Cross said the amount of messages of support she has received was "amazing", including from people who've found themselves in similar situations.

"They've been pouring love out for us," she said.

Ms Cross also said she had spoken to the kennels to confirm she would soon have the money to secure Shadow's release, and was looking forward to being re-united with him in the coming days.