HEARTBREAKING footage of a dog loyally limping after a car that drove off without her has touched people all over the world.

But one man from Hampshire is determined to give abandoned Ginger the home she deserves.

Images from CCTV cameras captured the moment the Shetland terrier cross was allegedly left on a patch of grass outside the Granby Industrial Estate, in Weymouth, by a man who then ran back to his vehicle and sped off.

Since then hundreds of people have contacted Woodlands Farm Strays, where Ginger was staying after she was rescued, to offer to adopt her, and well-wishers from as far away as Canada have been asking after her welfare.

John Steele, who lives alone and is a retired Post Office worker and Royal Naval Reservist from Hedge End, was one of those who offered to help.

He said: “I saw her chasing after the car and thought it’s just so sad.

“I wrote a letter to the kennels and then they sent me a questionnaire to fill in.

“Then I went down to see Ginger just before Christmas to meet her.

“It felt wonderful meeting her, she came over straight away and I took her for a long walk. She’s a very sweet dog, very loving and obedient.”

The team of staff at the kennels spent four months whittling down applications until they settled on Mr Steele.

Kennel owner Mary Bull, 62, said: “John is a very practical, sensitive and caring man and I’m sure he and Ginger will enjoy each other’s company.

“There will always be a little hole in our hearts that will forever be Ginger’s, but I know she will be better off in her own home.”

Mr Steele, 64, says he has been stocking up on food, bedding and toys, including Ginger’s favourite tennis ball, ready to bring her home.

He said: “I’ve wanted to have a rescue dog for a while, but before I was working and I didn’t think it was fair. But now I’m retired I’m all Ginger’s.

“She will be happy here, there’s a good garden.

“I hope Ginger’s case will lead to more people adopting rescue dogs now. They deserve good homes.”

Michael Hartley, 54 and Jenny Hadfield, 55, of Preston, have denied animal cruelty charges and are due to go on trial in April.