A DISABLED puppy fitted with a wheelchair after losing his hind legs has been given a hero’s welcome at Crufts - just days after taking his first steps.

Vets wanted to put Hungarian Vizsla Gilbert down after he was trodden on just days after being born.

But Bournemouth couple Jane and Kevin Bircumshaw took in the stricken pet and nursed him back to health.

Mr Bircumshaw, who raised £23,000 after Vizsla owners around the world donated towards Gilbert’s treatments, said: “My wife burst into tears when he took his first steps without the chair, it was such a special moment.

“We normally video everything he does for his Facebook page but the camera was shaking so much, it was just such an emotional moment for us, there were plenty of tears.

“He’s always going to need the wheelchair for walking around outside, he’s never going to do that on his own but we’re confident he’ll be able to walk round the house and live a normal life within home.

“He enjoys whizzing around in his chair but I just love seeing his wagging tail when he’s walking around without any assistance, it makes all the difficult days worth it.”

Crufts is known for its famous Best in Show prize, which rewards only perfection in the pursuit of the ultimate pedigree chum.

While Gilbert will never contest that prize, few other canines can match his fighting spirit.

“Thousands of people have donated money to help him get as far as he is, it’s just nice that they can meet him,” added Mr Bircumshaw.

“Crufts is a celebration of all dogs, not just champions and he sees all the other dogs here and thinks he’s just like them. It’s been lovely to see people fall in love with him just like we did.”

Gilbert’s spine was damaged and his right hip was crushed accidentally before the Bournemouth couple adopted him last year.

Two major operations later, and following hydrotherapy treatment costing £1,000 a month, he’s almost back on his paws.

Stem cell therapy is the next step, which the Bircumshaws hope will help him get back on his feet by healing his bones and muscle.

“He’s a fighter and he’s fought all the way, so watch this space,” said Mrs Bircumshaw, 57, who spends hours a day massaging Gilbert’s aching limbs.

“We couldn’t put something down that we’d fallen in love with.”