STELLA the Staffie pup owes her life to the generosity of a Cinderford cabbie.
When mum-of-two Toni Allinson, of Turley Court, found her 13-week-old pup was having breathing difficulties she called Volkan Kartal's firm Road Runner for a taxi to take them to the Animal Hospital in Quedgeley.
"I told the driver I hadn't got the money to pay him and he said I could pay later," said Toni.
Dad-of-two Volkan, 42, arranged for Stella to be rushed to the hospital – and thanks to the work of the night staff, the pup survived the night.
The exact illness is unknown, but Toni thinks it may have been either lung worm or an infection. "This fantastic taxi driver saved Stella's life. I'm incredibly grateful to him," said Toni.
Volkan said: "Toni was crying down the phone so I arranged a lift for her and the pup."