COCKER spaniel Thomas is the talk of the town as he relishes the freedom his set of wheels have given him.

The six-year-old pet of Patrick and Christine Porter suffered from weakness in his back legs after surgery for a spinal problem.

He found it difficult to walk, but his life has been transformed by wheels which support his back legs.

Thomas attracts amused and bemused glances from passers-by and drivers when he is taken out for a walk using his wheels.

He has also been treated to a set of boots from his owners, complete with leather pads, to give him grip on the Porters’ tiled kitchen floor and wooden hallway floor.

“If I get the wheels out he gets excited and runs up the garden,” said Christine, from Kingsmead.

“He is much happier now, and is almost back to his normal self.

“He didn’t know what to do when he first used the wheels, and raced out of the lounge and tipped them over. However he cottoned onto how to use them quite quickly.

“He goes for a walk on St George’s Field, and other dog owners and walkers often ask us about the wheels.

“They are amazed when they see them, but say they are really nice, and although the muscles in his back legs have built up since he has been using the wheels he will always need to use them.”

One morning three months ago Thomas was unable to stand on his back legs, and a veterinary surgeon diagnosed spinal compression.

“This was relieved through removing two discs from his spine,” said Patrick.

“He stayed at the vets for three weeks, and was allowed home, but still had no use of his rear end.

“He is making a slow recovery, but still cannot walk without the help of his wheels.

“He enjoys going out and having all the fuss from people coming to talk to him and asking what’s wrong with him.”

The Porters discovered the rubber wheels, which are on an aluminium frame and are attached by straps, after doing research on the internet.