TWO dogs who have experienced their fair share of life's hard knocks are in need of a new home.

Animal welfare chiefs are looking to provide a new start for Mildred, a stray greyhound who has battled through a leg amputation, and Duke, a blind German pointer.

Mildred, a fawn bitch, was first spotted earlier this month in Beal, near Selby, and was then picked up by a woman in nearby Byram.

Selby District Council dog warden Bill Parker said: "The dog was walking down the middle of the road and had quite a bad injury to its front right leg.

"It was not wearing a collar and had no ID at all. There is every possibility that she was abandoned because no one has tried to contact us."

Mr Parker said the leg injury worsened despite regular treatment, and this week the vets had no choice but to amputate. He said: "She's a really lovely, good-natured dog and having to run around on three legs won't bother her at all."

Head nurse Emma Snowdon said: "She will be absolutely fine. Dogs adapt remarkably well to amputations and she will make a good pet for someone."

Duke, a wire-haired two-year-old, was found in Acomb, York, and is struggling to adapt to life at the RSPCA kennels at Holgate.

"He can't see anything but when he can smell his lead he gets really excited," said a spokeswoman. "He really needs a good, stable home to go to."

Mr Parker said that Mildred would now be taken to the council's boarding kennels at Rose Farm, Church Fenton, to convalesce and would then be put up for adoption.

Mr Parker can be phoned on 01757 292123 or 07970 595199.

Anyone who can provide a home for Duke or knows the whereabouts of his owner should phone the RSPCA on 01904 654949.

Updated: 10:10 Saturday, May 31, 2003