A PENSIONER has made an emotional plea to be reunited with her treasured pet collie after it was taken in by another household.

Mary Bromley, 86, of Beech Avenue, Darwen, has dedicated her life to rescuing and training animals, but after a downturn in health, she was separated from her beloved pet.

She now wants to hear from the people who 'rescued' the black and white collie, aged 12, from Bleakholt animal sanctuary at Edenfield, near Ramsbottom.

The dog, called Holly, was taken to the home in March when Mary was admitted to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with the condition macular deterioration. Mary has since lost the sight of one eye.

But she is distraught that her animal, who was being looked after by a friend, will not be aware of what has happened.

She said: "All I got when I returned from hospital after three months was a note saying Holly had gone to a new home. The poor dog will not have understood.

"She hates loud noises and will have been so distressed. I am heartbroken."

A spokesperson for Bleakholt thought the dog had been collected by a retired couple in Todmorden.

Mary was well known in the 1970s for teaching dogs to understand sign language and has spent 60 years rescuing animals and nursing them back to health.

She made headlines after teaching sign language to a deaf Russell terrier called Midge who lived in her Darwen home with ten rescued cats.

Mary added: "I can hardly eat, sleep and I can't stop crying. All I ask is to meet these people to see that Holly has gone to a good home so that when my sight goes completely I will be able to picture her in my mind.

"People used to ask me if I was lonely and I would always say no, because of my animals.

"I know that I will not be able to take care of any more dogs but I would love to see Holly just one last time."