Christina Hadleigh is the best friend of the worlds friendliest dog- a shih-tzu

The van driver from Hove does not just love shih-tzus, she has dedicated her life to saving them. Whenever one in trouble Christina is ready to race into action in her specially designed ambulance.

For the past three years Christina, 53, has worked for the charity Southern Shih-tzu Rescue. The job takes her across the south of England, in her green ambulance converted from a British Telecom, van, to help out the loveable breed.

Christina said: "They are so friendly and love people and attention. But unfortunately their good nature can be their downfall as sometimes humans get away with acting terribly towards them."

"They are sometimes bought as ornaments for rich people. But they are a living creature and when people realise this they can get neglected or sometimes abused. Most of my calls are to collect dogs from homes that no longer want them. I have to sort out vet check-ups and take them to a new home where they will be loved."

Her own pet shih-tzu, called Polly Peckham, is one she has rescued. She was one of many discovered at a puppy farm in London who had been mistreated and neglected.

She said: "She was in a terrible condition. She was very agrophobic and had problems with her hips. She's much better now and loves people. What she needed was love."

Christina first fell in love with the breed, which originates in Tibet, while on holiday in Greece more than four years ago when she was asked to babysit a shih-tzu called Hercules.

She said: "The dog was so friendly, so playful. After getting back to England I found out about the Southern Shih-tzu Rescue and called them to offer my help. I'm a van driver and courier so travelling around the country isn't that unusual to me."

Christina can travel up to 600 miles a day to help out her favourite breed, taking them to new homes, vets and even dentists. It is not just shih-tzus that she helps but also pulis, a similar short legged, long haired breed which is slightly larger and from Eastern Europe. One of the most famous pulis is Dougal from the Magic Roundabout.

Christina also owns a puli, called Delbert Posy Wilkins, and looks after other dogs during the day. Bill Butler, who set up the rescue service with his wife Doris in1984 from their home in Surrey said: "She is amazing. She is always there for us and always willing to help. All you have to say is that a shih-tzu needs her and she comes to the rescue."

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