LIFE had been looking bleak for Buttons. He had lost the use of his hind legs after a fall.

The Yorkshire terrier was so tiny - weighing the equivalent of just a half a pound of sugar - that a major operation was not really on the cards.

Now, thanks to this set of wheels and the loving care of staff at Bishopstoke's Riverside Veterinary Surgery, Buttons has a prolonged active life.

He came to the Riverside surgery where the intention was to find him a home because his owner was not well enough to look after him.

But the staff fell in love with Buttons. So much so that he is now a permanent resident and very much a pampered pooch.

He has a special bed in the treatment room and members of staff take him home at weekends.

Buttons, who is two and a half years old, is never alone at night because vets on call pop in to see him.

The special wheels attached to his hind legs means that the tiny terrier can move round easily and he has free rein of the surgery.

The staff have even given their mobile pet L-plates and a registration number.

As soon as the front door opens at the Riverside surgery Buttons wheels into position to greet visitors with a friendly little bark.

Veterinary surgeon Kathryn Dunkley said that the Yorkshire terrier was only about eight weeks old when he accidentally fell off a bed.

She said: "His spine is out of alignment and he is unable to use his hind legs fully.

"It was too dangerous to operate because he was so small."

With the special wheels to get around, Buttons has got a new lease of life and receives regular therapy to help improve his mobility.

Kathryn said: "He came to board with us and now he is part of the family. Buttons has his own fan club and people ask to come in and see him."

Practice manager Lesley Heeley says: "Buttons is a top dog. We love him to bits and we spoil him rotten. He is free to roam the surgery and is a real star with all our clients."

Ms Heeley added that Buttons can also be rather bossy and is good at keeping other canines in order!