A DISABLED dog in Littlehampton has been granted a new lease of life with a custom-built wheelchair.

Chester, a 12-year-old Cairn and Jack Russell cross, injured his spine last year and had surgery.

He lost the use of his hind legs, but with the help of a special contraption the determined pooch can still run about.

His owner Stuart Bellis, 40, of Sea Road, Rustington, said: “It has been lovely to see him regain his freedom and lust for life.”

Stuart and his wife Karen have had Chester since he was a puppy and were terrified they may lose their dog when he was injured last April.

Stuart said: “It was heartbreaking. We have had him since he was nine weeks old.

“It was really difficult because in one day he went from being our happy, healthy dog to being unable to walk at all.”

Chester had an operation to remove a slipped disc in his spine, and there were fears that the disc could sever his spinal cord.

A vet told the couple that they would have to decide whether to put Chester to sleep, and that he may never regain the use of his legs.

Stuart added: “A few times after the operation we thought maybe this isn’t fair and maybe we shouldn’t put him through this.”

But once Chester had adjusted to the wheelchair Stuart and Karen’s beloved dog was saved.

Stuart added: “He couldn’t comprehend what was going on and had to learn to walk all over again. Now he drags himself all over the place with his front legs.”

The contraption is fitted to Chester’s rear and lifts his immobile back legs off the ground, allowing him to power the wheels with his front legs.

Chester is treated like a hero in Rustington, and always receives plenty of attention and dog treats on visits to the park.

And he is now having an effect on those who see him. Stuart said: “One of the ladies at a convalescence home said she was struggling to walk and he was a bit of an inspiration to her.”