AN abandoned puppy that was rescued by a Walthamstow soldier in Afghanistan is finally settling in to life in the UK after being released from six months in quarantine.

Hundreds of people from Waltham Forest and beyond donated more than £4,000 last year to help fly Dave the dog to this country after his story was featured in the Guardian and then the national press.

The animal was discovered with both its ears cut off by 32-year-old Royal Marine Alex Mutch while he was on patrol in the Sangin district of Afghanistan back in July 2010.

Following the huge fund-raising campaign the Ministry of Defence agreed to fly him to the UK in October.

But the pooch, who is now nearly a year old, was then held by the military for half a year to ensure he was not carrying any diseases, and has only now been properly released.

Marine Mutch, of Prospect Hill, is overjoyed at the "happy ending" for his beloved dog, who he said is slowly adjusting to his new life.

"I'm just really happy about it," he said.

"He's fit and well and getting on fine. Obviously this country is different to Afghanistan so he's still getting used to it.

"He gets a bit confused whenever a bus goes past but I'm sure with time he will settle down.

"But I want to thank everyone in the community who donated the money. It's amazing to think a year ago he was in a bad way in Afghanistan and now he's enjoying a better life here."

Marine Mutch has finished his tour of duty in Afghanistan, but is spending his time at several army bases receiving fresh training before any possible fresh deployments.

In the meantime Dave is being looked after by his sister Heather Mutch, who lives in East Dulwich in south London.

She said: "It's still strange to finally have him in the house after so long, but he's doing really, really well."

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