LITTLE Westie Ben was just a puppy when he was taken into the RSPCA’s animal hospital with one leg broken and another fractured.

But despite his condition, the tiny dog has proved to be a real man’s best friend to his new owner, Jim Fitzpatrick.

The 69-year-old, from Cannock, has battled with cancer of the bladder and suffered a heart attack. His wife Beryl, aged 65, had to have an operation on her intestine but ended up in intensive care,

The grandad said: “Ben’s seen me through some rough times.

“I’ve got recurring cancer and I’ve had a heart attack and he’s seen me through that.

“My wife was very, very ill when she was in intensive care.

“He knew when my wife was in hospital. I’m sure he can tell from body language that there’s something wrong.

“He’s been there for us through every step. He’s a lovely dog, very loving.

“He greets us, I really can’t praise him enough.”

Ben’s own experience saw him bound up in plaster casts for up to eight weeks, at ten months old, when he should have been frolicking like other dogs his age.

With no home of his own to go to he was fostered by Jim’s niece, Anne Costello, who works as a receptionist at the animal charity’s Barnes Hill base.

Mr Fitzpatrick, a retired self-employed van driver, had been left heart-broken after losing three dogs and had vowed never to own another.

But that all changed when he and Beryl clapped eyes on Ben when they visited Anne’s home three years ago. Mr Fitzpatrick added: “He changed our minds and melted our hearts.

“He always gets treated specially at Christmas, and not only Christmas – every day.”

The RSPCA is calling on Birmingham Mail readers to back its Leaps & Bounds Appeal to raise £3 million to build a new national animal hospital and rescue centre in Frankley. To find out how to make donations visit the website www.leapsandboundsappeal.org.uk   or call 0300 123 8001.