Magician from Ulverston who has performed for Jonathan Ross saves starving dog

Romany, who lives in Bardsea and worked as a professional magician before the Covid-19 pandemic, first spotted the starving five-year-old pooch Ruzha online.

The 52-year-old, who has performed for the likes of Princes Charles and Jonathon Ross, found out Ruzha, who lives in Bulgaria, was days away from being shot and immediately wanted to help.

She said: "My dog Bongo had died in July 2019 and I was looking for a rescue dog.

"I have a friend in Bulgaria who rescues dogs, feeds the starving street dogs and is a marvel.

"I saw the picture of Ruzha starving on her Facebook page and immediately knew she was mine and that I would do whatever it took to give her a happy life for the rest of her life.

"Even if I had to drive all the way to Bulgaria to rescue her, I was prepared to do it.

"Ruzha was starving, terrified and the villagers wanted to shoot her."

STARVING: Ruzha was spotted by Romany on social media and was days away from death

Ruzha was spotted by Romany on social media and was days away from death.

However, thanks to a fundraising page launched by Romany, the pair was able to provide urgent medical treatment to cure the pup's anaemia and heartworm.

Since spotting Ruzha online, Romany has fallen in love with the struggling pooch and plans to bring her home to Cumbria for a better life.

HELP: Romany wants to bring little Ruzha to Cumbria for a better life

She said: "Normally, Ruzha would have been brought over with a charity called Street Hearts BG which drives dogs over to their forever homes.

"But because of new Brexit rules and Covid restrictions, they can't do that now and so Ruzha and her little friend Pipsqueak, also destined for a home in the UK, are stuck in Bulgaria.

"They need around £5000 to get their two vans re-regulated. More puppies are being abandoned and their centre in Bulgaria is full to overflowing.

"They usually bring over 40 dogs a months working with their sister centre in Manchester.

"I've already given my friend in Bulgaria the money for the food and medicine for Ruzha but now we need the money to help get her and the other dogs over."

DOG LOVER: Romany with her beloved dog Bongo

Romany wants to bring Ruzha to the Cumbrian fells as soon as possible for a better and healthier life.

"She won't know what's hit her coming here," Romany said.

"Walking two hours a day and going up the Wainwrights will be amazing for her.

"She's the most magical dog in the world and deserves a happy life."

If you would like to make a donation, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Please-give-Ruzha-a-Chance