DEDICATED animal lovers Matthew and Christopher Young never meant to turn their modest terraced home into a sanctuary for sick and disabled dogs.

But it happened.

Now the Slough based pair, who have been in a civil partnership for nine years, have nicknamed their terraced home the Dogs Nobody Wants Sanctuary.

Their 'housemates' include Chance, who lived near the railway tracks in Romania and was hit by a train.

Matthew said: "She lost both her back legs and half a front paw.

"She thinks she is royalty and travels in her own pram. She can walk on her stumps but only on soft ground at home."

Then there is Leah, whose spine was snapped when she was hit by a car. Her paralysed rear has to be supported by a special cart or 'dog wheelchair' and she can only use her two front paws.

Matthew said: "She can go incredibly fast. When she takes off I cannot keep up with her. She chases rabbits and pigeons."

Suzy is still coming to terms with disability. She was hit by a car three weeks ago and her back legs were paralysed.

She has her own wheels too.

Matthew and Christopher also care for a deaf and blind dog called Leo, for Tom who was given two months to live when he came to them but is still around, Santa who is crippled by arthritis.

Others have come and gone.

How did it happen?

The couple began by taking on two German Shepherd dogs they had heard about 'with problems' who needed homes. One had been regarded as too aggressive, while the other had serious digestive problems.

They they spotted a story on Facebook, put up by the charity Safe Rescue for Dogs - about a dog called Rosu who had been kept in a cage for 10 years.

It was the beginning of a relationship with the charity, which specialises in rescuing sick or injured dogs in Romania.

They have taken dogs from them ever since.

Rosu enjoyed the last eight months of his hellish life in comfort with Matthew and Christopher, including two caravan holidays before he died.

Matthew, 50, stays home with the dogs.

Christopher, 33, is a senior health care assistant at Wexham Park Hospital, looking after elderly patients.

He said: "Looking after people with dementia can be stressful. I really find it relaxing to get home and see the dogs."

Matthew is a familiar sight in Slough walking the dogs, after carefully fitting them into their 'wheelchairs' or contraptions.

The couple have had to get rid of furniture to make rooms for their 'lodgers' but have no regrets.

Matthew said: "They are adorable. They all have their own little places in the house, their own little niches."

Now their friends Jo Drury, 45, of Hawtrey Road, Windsor and her partner Darren Chester are helping the pair organise a fund raising Fun Dog Show, taking place at the Red Lion pub in Oakley Green Road, Windsor on Saturday, November 21 from noon to 4.30.

All are welcome to bring along own dogs - disabled or otherwise - and to take part in a succession of fun classes.

There will be stalls, a bouncy castle, face painting - all the fun of the fair, plus of course the chance to meet Matthew and Chris' amazing dogs.

Admission will be free with a £1 charge for entering dog show classes.

Deputy Mayor Sayonara Luxton will open the event. Windsor Lions and a number of local businesses are helping out.

Any money raised will go towards the cost of looking after Matthew and Christopher's dogs, costs they

have to meet themselves.

Jo Drury looks after rescue animals herself at her home in Hawtrey Road, Windsor and became friends with Matthew when he came to 'check out' if her home was suitable on behalf of the Safe Rescue for Dogs, who he volunteers for.