NO wonder Scruffy is such a laid-back little dog — he has his very own guardian angel.

The crossbreed terrier has now been rescued by the same RSPCA inspector twice in the space of a year.

Remarkably, Julie Fadden came to Scruffy's aid in locations 60 miles apart, first taking him away from a life of grime in his original home and then after he managed to run away from his loving new owners.

Julie first got involved with the 12-year-old black-and-grey pooch when he was kept at a house in Merthyr Tydfil.

"The dog was living in very poor conditions so I rescued him," she explained.

"He looked like he had arthritis in his back legs so he was treated at our clinic in Merthyr and given a full MoT."

From there Scruffy was taken to the RSPCA's Llys Nini animal centre in Penllergaer where he was found new owners, Sue Overment and her husband David of Penyrheol.

"I'm limited in what exercise I can do so I didn't want a dog that needed a lot of exercise," explained Sue.

"I have arthritis and so does he, so we can amble along together."

It seemed like a perfect match. But within two days of moving in, Scruffy was off on his travels again.

Sue had to leave him on his own for a short while and the dog somehow managed to squeeze through the cat flap before jumping on to the 3ft garden wall and through a dense privet hedge.

"It was a worrying time. We contacted the police and the RSPCA, and we had the family out looking for him," said Sue.

"The weather was turning. It would have been bad enough for a young dog, but for an older dog with arthritis the wind and rain would have done him no favours."

Residents found Scruffy hours later, wandering down the middle of West Street in Gorseinon. The RSPCA was contacted — and by chance it was Julie who was called out.

"Scruffy was wandering in the middle of the traffic," she said. "Because of his arthritis they thought he must have been hit by a car so they scooped him up and took him home.

"I don't usually work in the Swansea area but I was providing night cover and got the call. When I got to the house he was curled up in the front room and I thought he looked familiar.

"I took him to the vets and as soon as I saw him in the light I realised it was the same dog."

As Scruffy had been microchipped, he was soon reunited with his family. "They were frantic with worry," said Julie.

"But Scruffy himself was none the worse for wear. He was quite happy, bless him, and wondering what all the fuss was about.

"It was nice for me because I got to meet his new owners. They're lovely people and looking after him really well."

paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk