Labrador's life saved by human heart surgeon

A dog's recovering in Dorset after a pioneering operation carried out by a surgeon who operates on human hearts.

Tess the labrador had a life-threatening heart condition and needed surgery costing thousands of pounds.

Her owners raised the money with the help of well-wishers to help fund the four-hour long operation.

Joseph Foster and his family were worried they would lose Tess last autumn when she was diagnosed with atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia - a condition which meant her heart was beating too quickly.

She was twice fighting for her life with heart failure but is now on the mend thanks to the intervention of a top heart surgeon.

But when they took their story online to appeal for funds they were able to raise enough for the operation.

The online appeal has raised more than £9000 in total exceeding the initial target of £7500.