A STARVING dog who was on the brink of death has travelled thousands of miles for a better life in Cumbria.

Five-year-old pooch Ruzha was on the brink of starvation in Bulgaria when she was spotted by professional magician Romany, online.

The 52-year-old, who lives in Bardsea, instantly fell in love with the struggling pup and ventured to bring her to Ulverston for a better life.

Romany, who has performed for the likes of Princes Charles and Jonathon Ross, launched a GoFundMe page online and the donations flooded in.

Romany said: “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.”

Ruzha and her friend Pipsqueak would have been brought to the UK by the charity, Street Hearts, which transports dogs to their forever homes.

However, because of new Brexit rules and Covid restrictions, the vans needs regulated, costing thousands of pounds. Thanks to the kind-hearted community, over £2,000 was raised to bring Ruzha and Pipsqueak home, and elated owner Romany is 'over the moon' to have her at home with her in Bardsea.

She said: "She's really great. She arrived at half eight yesterday morning and looked terrified but she's settled down now. She's a really beautiful looking dog.

"Ruzha's journey back to health was all down to Sandy from Street Hearts being a good nurse. It's amazing that she's gone from a skeleton to what she is now.

"She loves to cuddle you all the time, I feel really blessed."

Romany has thanked the kind-hearted community for helping rescue Ruzha and guarantee her a better life in the UK.

She said: "This is thanks to eight months of fundraising and the generosity of strangers. It just shows you how many people love dogs and how many people are willing to be generous."