Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank has taken in a rescue pup whose life has been one big soap opera.
Daniel, who plays gay vicar Billy, helped save little dachshund Colin from a smuggling ring. Now he is thriving after a traumatic start to life.
The actor, 39, said: “He was in an awful condition so I’ve taken him on and given him his forever home.”
The puppy is helping mend his broken heart after he split from his boyfriend, former Mr Gay UK Stuart Hatton, earlier this year.
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Daniel said: “I had been thinking about getting a dog for quite a while but it’s a huge commitment so I wanted to wait for the right time.
“I had moved house, I have some time off work and everything just fell into place.
“I knew I wanted to adopt a rescue dog and it was love at first sight. He has settled in wonderfully and his confidence is growing by the day.”
Daniel even brings his new pet on set – and he says Colin is so small he happily curls up and sleeps anywhere.
“He loves to play and he loves heading out and meeting lots of dogs and people,” he added. “He attracts a lot of attention. He’s a joy.”
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Colin was one of a litter of six smuggled into the UK from Hungary and rescued by the Dogs Trust puppy smuggling campaign.
Having travelled for more than 1,000 miles in horrendous conditions, the dogs were seized at the border.
Over the past four years, the Dogs Trust has cared for 1,000 illegally imported animals, including pugs and French bulldogs, which would have been worth more than £1million.
Carol Margieson, deputy manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, was caring for Colin before Daniel stepped in.
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She said: “Colin and his siblings had a tough start in life and it is fantastic that they’ve gone on to brilliant homes.
“If, like Daniel, you are ready to welcome a dog into your life, please consider adopting a rescue dog.
“All our dogs, young and old, deserve a second chance at happiness.”
