Looby Loo the Yorkshire terrier is on the mend today after almost being shaken to death.

The tiny animal was found lying in a pool of blood by a member of the public walking in Palatine Park, Worthing.

The dog had suffered terrible wounds to her neck and would have died if the woman had not taken her to a vet.

Medical staff examined the 12-year-old dog, discovering a puncture wound in her neck and a dislocated pelvis.

The vet called for the help of Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service (Wadars).

Billy Elliott, of Wadars, said the woman who found Looby Loo was crying when she handed her to the vet, almost certainly saving the dog's life.

He said: "She had been shaken like a rag doll. The wound in her neck was consistent with a canine tooth mark.

"I'm sure if anyone was walking their dog, and it attacked a little dog they would not have left her there.

"She had been lying there a while and we think she was attacked elsewhere and dumped in the park."

He said they had decided to call her Looby Loo after the rag doll in the children's TV series Andy Pandy.

Looby Loo underwent treatment for her injuries and is now recovering at the clinic.

Wadars contacted police and dog wardens in the hope of tracing her owners but she had not been reported missing.

The rescue organisation is appealing for a new home for Looby Loo, who will be found a foster home until a permanent one can be organised.

Billy said: "Now she is out of pain she is such a happy little thing."

Anyone interested in helping Looby Loo should call 01903 217788.