SOCIAL media has saved the life of a sweet Staffie condemned to death after his promised rescue centre space fell through.

Staffordshire bull terrier Penfold secured a new rescue centre space after Twitter and Facebook users united to get the playful pooch a last-minute reprieve from the death sentence.

The two-year-old brown-and-ginger Staffie had reached his legal time limit in council kennels and, with his emergency funding about to run out, faced death in a matter of days.

Dog-walker Luke Bartley, 19, who launched the Penfold’s Rescue campaign on Facebook, took to various social media platforms to save Penfold.

The #SavePenfold campaign generated thousands of shares and retweets from parliamentary candidates and EastEnders favourite John Partridge.

Generous town animal lovers opened their hearts and wallets to help the Penfold's cause, donating more than £700 with scores of people offering him to give him a new home.

“I was hoping and praying all weekend people would help him. This is the best news ever,” said Luke.

“I can’t believe it. To all the people who donated, thank you so much. You’ve given him his future back.”

On Tuesday, dog shelter Rescue Remedies offered the perfect pooch a space, and lifted his death sentence.

Lynne da Costa, founder of Rescue Remedies, which specialises in rehoming Staffies, said she was confident Penfold would find his forever home. “He’s friendly and a beautiful dog,” she said. “We’re going to get him settled into his kennels and just get adjusted to life here.”

Rescue Remedies is encouraging potential adopters for Penfold to come forward.

“We aim to rehome a dog a week and Staffies are popular so we hope to get him a lovely home soon,” said Lynne.

“We have our own selection check to make sure we get the right home for him.”

Penfold was picked up as a stray in Park North six weeks ago and had since struggled to find a new home.

Last week it seemed Penfold was safe when a rescue centre agreed to help and promised him a space at its home.

Sadly the rescue centre space was pulled, putting Penfold back on dog death row with only days left to save him.

The money raised will pay for Penfold’s 19 days in emergency accommodation along with the cost of vaccinations and neutering. The remainder will be donated to other needy dogs.

To adopt Penfold or any other dog from Rescue Remedies visit rescueremedies.co.uk.

To donate to the Penfold’s Rescue project visit penfoldsrescue.wix.com/Swindon or facebook.com/penfoldsrescue

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