Couple rescue 'Ferrari' dog from Mexican jungle

No menace: Dennis was about three months old when he was found stuck in a hole in a Mexican jungle

A couple have spent thousands of pounds bringing a feisty puppy from Mexico to the UK after finding him stuck in a deep hole in a jungle.

Kathryn Grace and her husband David Brudnell, from Peterborough, were volunteering at an animal sanctuary in the jungle in Yucatan when the cries of a small dog were heard.

They rescued the three-month-old and quickly became "bonded" to the dog, who they named Dennis - later finding out he was part Australian cattle dog which they were told is a "bit like getting a Ferrari as your first car", said Ms Grace.

Now settling back in the UK, she has been inspired to start her own range of dog treats as she said "for a dog found in a jungle, Dennis is a very fussy eater".

Couple David and Kathryn were volunteering at a sanctuary when they found Dennis

The couple had only been working at the sanctuary for about a month when its owner heard a puppy whimpering.

Mr Brudnell rushed in to save the dog and after that, the couple's lives became "the Dennis show", said Ms Grace.

"Our lives revolve around him."

She said they were living with Dennis in a "very small casita" in Mexico, so the bonding process was fast, adding "we couldn't return to England without him".

The couple have been told Dennis's genetic make-up could make him a little like having a Ferrari as their first car

The journey to ensure Dennis was fully vaccinated and suitable for coming to the UK was not easy and cost about £3,000.

That included all the vet bills, flights and a "pet taxi" from Paris to the French coast so they could bring their newfound friend across the Channel.

Dennis is now living in Peterborough and getting used to a different way of life - including the couple's two cats.

"Living in a jungle there were lots of dangers for a puppy - poisonous plants, snakes and huge ants - so there wasn't much opportunity to exercise him off a lead - there were no dog-friendly beaches or dog parks," Ms Grace said.

"Grass and open spaces in England were a bit of a mystery to Dennis."

Dennis is getting used to life away from Mexico

The diet was also an issue as Dennis had been used to enjoying coconuts and mango with the couple, who are both vegan.

This inspired Ms Grace to start baking her own vegan-friendly dog treats, which she is now selling in a couple of local shops.

"We're not bringing him up as a vegan dog but dogs can eat almost anything so he enjoys normal dog food as well as the treats I make which include fruit and healthy ingredients such as chia and flaxseed."

Life with Dennis and the two cats is still challenging, as this is their first dog together, she said.

The couple had their puppy DNA-tested and the results showed he was about 23% Chihuahua, but also had some Australian cattle dog in his genetic make-up.

"We are seeing a local dog trainer," Ms Grace added.

"She told us getting an Australian cattle dog as your first dog, was the equivalent of getting a Ferrari as your first car - so we are preparing for an adventure."