A COURAGEOUS collie that survived being hit by a car is on the road to recovery - with the help of hydrotherapy.

Black and white border collie Flash was picked up as a stray following a road crash in Yorkshire. With no owners coming forward and severe injuries the nine-month-old puppy faced an uncertain future.

As a pound dog Flash had just 12 hours before he would be put to sleep but animal rescue Lily’s border collie lifeline stepped in.

He was placed with fosterer Steve Cutler, who lives in Broome Manor Lane. Steve, who already has three canine companions, took the young dog into his home and started him on the road to recovery through water based therapy.

Flash also had to have a pin inserted in his shoulder at Eastcott Veterinary Clinic and endure many weeks of crate rest.

“He’s such a lovely dog, he’s very affectionate and playful. Considering all he’s been through he doesn’t let him hold him back,” said Steve.

“He was given crate rest for a few weeks but didn’t improve. As a young dog it’s frustrating because he just wants to run around and enjoy life, so finding ways to occupy his mind is an ongoing consideration.

"I try and keep him mentally stimulated by giving him different ways to get his food.

“It’s difficult because he is a young dog and he just wants to run around and play with the other dogs but I have to stop him.”

Thanks to the generosity of the community, Flash is now having hydrotherapy and physiotherapy with Woozelbears, EquiFlo and K9 Trail Time pitching in

“He was quite frightened at first when we got him into the water but he soon got used to it. Now he looks more bemused than anything,” said Steve.

“He goes on a treadmill and really works to stretch his shoulder out and I am starting to see some improvement. He will occasionally lift his right paw up when he’s standing which I am trying to get him to stop.

“I am so grateful to Woozelbears for helping Flash out and giving some free sessions as he is a rescue dog."

Flash is now settling in with Steve’s two deaf border collies Jake and Finn and collie Pyranean-cross Skye, who was rescued from a puppy farm. He will also be on the look-out for a loving new home when he heals.

Steve has already fundraised for the organisation by cani-crossing (running with dogs attached) the Green Man Ultra 46 mile race in March

For information or to donate visit lilysbordercollielifeline.org or www.facebook.com/Lilysbordercollielifeline/