A FUN-LOVING rescue dog who nobody wanted is helping people living with cancer.

Nala is the face of St Luke's Woof Mudder 2019 - the hospice's first fundraising event for four-legged friends!

The five-year-old Boxer cross won a public vote after owners were invited to send in pictures of their pets to promote the 5k obstacle run on Sunday, September 22.

Knutsford Guardian:

Nala is bursting with energy and loves running

Nala has conquered cancer herself after a lump was found on her shoulder last October.

Her owner Jacqui Campuzano, a registered veterinary nurse, said: "It made me realise how precious she is to me. I wanted to do something to celebrate that she survived and is fit and healthy.

Knutsford Guardian:

Jacqui Campuzana and Nala walk for miles

"I also want Nala to represent overlooked pets, rescue dogs and cross breeds."

Mum Jacqui, 35, was mourning the loss of her old Boxer Cooper when she came across an emergency plea to find Nala a home.

"The rescue home said she had no interest whatsoever from the public," said Jacqui, who now works in the pet food industry.

"Everyone was looking for a pedigree Boxer. I've done a degree in animal behaviour and assessed her.

"Straightaway I said: 'I'll take her'.

Knutsford Guardian:

Jacqui Campuzano and Nala love having fun together

"She is absolutely fantastic, a bit bonkers and loopy, like all Boxers! People see a big dog bouncing around but she is absolutely perfectly behaved.

"I've got a little boy and she is so gentle with him."

Knutsford Guardian:

Gentle Nala loves playing with 22-month-old Dylan

Energetic Nala loves running but has is currently on restricted exercise after suffering a partially ruptured cruciate ligament in her knee.

Jacqui said: "She has undergone an amazing new treatment, platelet rich plasma therapy, which we hope will help her cruciate to heal and avoid reconstructive surgery.

"She is also having weekly physio and laser treatment to support her recovery."

Lively Nala has his own instagram account and has attracted lots of followers.

She loves getting caked in mud so tackling obstacles in Woof Mudder will be great fun.

Knutsford Guardian:

Nala is looking forward to tackling obstacles in Woof Mudder

"When we're out, she loves being filthy," said Jacqui. "I like doing charity runs. This is a chance for owners to get down and dirty and have fun with their dogs.

"It will be a great family event. My fiance and son will be there on the sidelines cheering us on."

Knutsford Guardian:

Nala loves getting dirty and will relish Woof Mudder

Woof Mudder takes place at Blakemere Craft Centre on Chester Road, Sandiway, from 9.30am to 4pm on Sunday, September 22.

READ > For the love of dogs

The first 100 can enter for an early bird registration fee of £20 per dog, owners go free.

Owners will receive two bandanas, including one for their dog, and a t-shirt.

To register visit bit.ly/31rbAt0.