by Lewis Dyson

When Basset Hound Hollie lost the use of her back legs, her owners feared her days of going for walkies were over.

But thanks to a special pet pram, she is still able to get out and about with her lifelong companion Godfrey.

Michael and Linda Wilson said they get strange looks in public, but not using the stroller could spell the end for both their dogs.

Hollie is 14 years old - or 98 in canine years - and lost the use of her two back legs after a disc dislodged in her spine.

Mr Wilson, of The Rise, Halfway, said: "We did get some funny looks, but when people actually stop to ask what is wrong with her, they find out she can't walk.

"People will say look at that so-and-so, but when they get to find out what is up with her, their mood really changes."

He added that at five stones, Hollie was too big to carry after giving brith to 15 puppies over the years.

The 56-year-old went on to say if Hollie wasn't there any more, Godfrey would die because he has a heart murmur and wouldn’t be able to cope without her.

"[Linda and I] have been married 25 years and unfortunately we couldn’t have children so basically, they are our children.

"My biggest fear was we would have to have her put to sleep, but as long as she is fit and happy then we will see how she is at the end of each week.

"Someone like my father says that I’m mad, but at the end of the day, I haven’t got the right to end her days - not if she’s perky.

"As far as I’m concerned, you wouldn’t do it to a child so don’t do it to an animal. I’ve done it purely out of love."

The lorry driver said four months ago Hollie was walking around fine, but found her one morning "dragging herself around like a seal pup".

Ever since they started taking Hollie out for walks with Godfrey, who is 13, he said she has been back to her old self again.