A dog is lucky to be alive after he was tossed from a speeding car and run over by two other vehicles in Tilbury.

Calvin, a collie cross, was thrown from the vehicle's window and into the path of oncoming cars.

He was rushed to a veterinary surgery and nearly died from a punctured lung and severe cuts and bruises.

Anna Mart, who is now caring for Calvin at Wickford's Gemini Kennels, said: "It's so terrible for someone to have done this and leave him in such a bad way. He even had tyre marks on him when he came to us.

"Why do they always go for something that can't fight back?"

It's not yet known how the eight-month-old dog came to be in the car, or who owned him.

He ended up in the middle of a busy road in Tilbury and was hit by at least two cars. It is thought that one stopped and took him to Cherrydown veterinary surgery, in Cherrydown West, Basildon.

Staff there carried out X-rays and found that, miraculously, the dog had no broken bones.

However, he had a badly damaged lung as well as scores of bruises and it was touch and go for several hours.

Amazingly, Calvin is now making a speedy recovery at the kennels, off the A127.

Anna said: "He's really nervous but he is in with the puppies and seems to be getting on really well considering he nearly died.

"He's such a lovely dog - he'll lick you to death. The vets gave him a teddy to help him and he's swimming to help his lungs. We're also encouraging him to play."

Anna is now looking for a loving new home for Calvin.

She said: "He needs someone with time, a couple would be best. He shouldn't be pulled around by children because he's still scared."

If you can help call 01268 725825.

On the mend - Calvin thanks Gemini Kennels owner Michael Knight with a loving lick

Picture: NICK ANSELL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.