LIKE many elderly smokers, Carly suffers from the debilitating lung disease emphysema.

What makes her case different is that she is a dog and was once owned by a heavy smoker, which has left her suffering from the effects of tobacco.

Carly is presently in the care of Ferndown-based charity Waggy Tails Rescue which hopes to find her a home where she can enjoy her remaining years.

Large terrier Max, five, is another unwanted dog handed over to the charity by his owners who emigrated.

The happy-go-lucky pooch is also looking for a new home with a loving family.

The pair are both being cared for at Waggy Tails Rescue's clinic at Wimborne Road East, Ferndown, which has the facilities to provide 24-hour care to dogs such as Carly, who needs to be monitored because of her condition.

But the charity is currently searching for alternative premises to continue this work as their lease expires on the Ferndown clinic in July this year.

The charity wants every dog owner in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire to donate at least £1 to its appeal to help them raise their target of £400,000 to fund suitable premises.

The charity has grown so rapidly in the last 11 years that it now receives at least four requests each day to take in unwanted dogs.

Shelagh Meredith, spokesman for Waggy Tails Rescue, said: "Carly was brought into the pound at Southampton. She is quite old but still has reasonable quality of life. She loves a bit of company, loves her walks and her food, and likes being made a fuss of."

Spaniel-sized Max "likes everybody and other dogs," said Shelagh.

She added: "We've only got until July in Ferndown and are looking for somewhere to go. We need to raise another £100,000. That's the target.

"If people want to donate they can ring up or go into one of our shops. People have been dropping in with pound coins and fivers.

"Our biggest donation was £400 from someone who had just lost their dog and wanted to help because they appreciate the work that we do.

"We are looking for a property with a little bit of land so we have the space to exercise dogs."

Waggy Tails Rescue has shops in Ashley Road, Parkstone, Walkford in Christchurch and the clinic in Wimborne Road East, Ferndown.

People interested in adopting Max or Carly can ring Waggy Tails Rescue on 01202 875000.