MEET the rescue dog and his new owner who have both helped heal each other's broken hearts as they discover they are the "match that's meant to be." 

After both losing their beloved companions, Don from Bridport and Strachan have come together to bring each other happiness once again.

Rescue dog Strachan was handed over to the pound by his owner who was very sadly terminally ill.

The owner took Strachan to the pound and wanted reassurance his beloved pet would find a happy forever home.

Dog rehoming charity, Staffie and Stray offered to help Strachan who was brought to their boarding kennels shortly after.

Strachan was "very quiet" and "withdrawn" when he arrived. He is nine years old and had lived with his owner his whole life.

Sophie Vye, manager at Staffie and Stray said: "He seemed to be looking for his old owner and was very disinterested in the team who desperately wanted him to be happy. 

"A short time after, two of our loving and dedicated volunteers decided to take Strachan home as a foster so that he didn't have to go back to the kennels.

Bournemouth Echo: Strachan. Credit: Staffie and Stray Rescue Strachan. Credit: Staffie and Stray Rescue (Image: Staffie and Stray Rescue)

"Strachan found a new lease of life, enjoying playing with toys and we started to see a cheeky personality coming through."

Around the same time, Don, who had adopted a Staffie Cross from Staffie and Stray three years ago, very sadly and unexpectedly had to have his beloved companion put to sleep.

Don was "absolutely heartbroken."

Sophie added: "When Don spotted Strachan he immediately offered him his forever home.

"It seems like this match was meant to be and both boys needed each other after grieving.

"Both Strachan and Don have helped to heal each other's broken hearts. Strachan now lives his new life as a pub dog and is settling in great.

"It was an incredibly emotional adoption waving Strachan off to his happy ever after, the team at Staffie and Stray have been rooting for him since he arrived and couldn't be happier for him!

"We hope Strachan's owner who was sadly so poorly, who we never knew, gets to see this somehow and will be comforted to see two broken hearts helping to heal each other."