Old dog learns acupuncture is just the trick to relieve the pain of finding a new home

AN AGEING dog is receiving acupuncture treatment in a bid to keep him united with his long-term pal.

Sam, a 10-year-old Collie cross, was put into kennels with best friend Hooch when their owner moved away two years ago.

Carers are desperate to have the two dogs housed together but Sam is becoming increasingly troubled by rheumatism and arthritis.

The National Canine Defence League (NCDL) in Liverpool, England are giving Sam acupuncture to relieve his symptoms and make it easier for him to be adopted.

Manager Richard Moore said: "We could not split Sam and Hooch up because they have been together since they were puppies.

"However, it is difficult to find a home for two older dogs so we want to do everything possible to get them re-housed. Sam is troubled by arthritis and rheumatism and we don't want that to stop him finding a new home so we are giving him acupuncture.

"If it is successful, then the NCDL will continue to pay for further treatment in the future, even after he is re-housed," he said.

Acupuncture works by piercing the skin with needles at special pressure points around the body.