An animal-lover has thanked the Times for helping to complete her set of miniature Dachshunds.

Melanie Harmer appeared in the April 9 edition after Maisie, her miniature wire-haired sausage dog, starred on ITV’s This Morning sampling some healthy dog treats.

The part-time teacher from Church Street, Witham, also owns a smooth-haired Dachshund called Amber and was longing to complete the pack with a miniature long-haired breed.

After spotting the story, a 68-year-old woman from Braintree got in touch to say she was looking for a new home for her tiny long-haired Dachshund, Charlie.

Her health problems were starting to get in the way of Charlie’s care and the Times put the two dog-owners in contact.

After their first meeting last Monday, three-year-old Charlie, who weighs just 4kg, has settled straight in with Melanie and his new sisters.

Ms Harmer said: "He has made my little family complete.

"I was going to get a long-haired one for my 50th but I’ve got him a year and a bit before.

"He is here on trial until the weekend, but he is staying - although he needs a bit of a haircut.

"Thank you for putting us in touch with each other."