The battered Neapolitan bullmastiff's ordeal is finally over after she was welcomed into a loving family.

Rebecca Lefort

IT'S home sweet home for lovely Lola.

The battered Neapolitan bullmastiff's ordeal is finally over after she was welcomed into a loving family.

Three-and-a-half year old Lola, who is missing one eye and is severely underweight, touched the hearts of East Anglian Daily Times readers.

Paul and Patricia Caston were so moved by her tale that the dogs-lovers offered to take her in.

So on Friday Lola moved into her new home in Reepham, Norfolk.

Mr Caston, 66, a semi-retired petrol forecourt owner, said: “She is brilliant and she has settled in straight away.

“When we saw the picture of her we thought she looked lovely. We have had two Neapolitan bullmastiffs in the past.

“They aren't everybody's dogs because they slobber, and when they shake their heads you can get covered in salvia. But they are something special.”

Grandparents Mr and Mrs Caston, who also have an Italian spinone called Bella, a lurcher and setter Cross called Maddie and a pony, said they had already taken Lola to the vet and spoiled her with a dinner of roast chicken.

The dog, who has a striking resemblance to Fang, Hagrid's large boarhound in the Harry Potter books, was handed into the Pampered Pets dogs rescue centre in Hacheston, near Woodbridge, more than two weeks ago, suffering from severe mistreatment.

It was thought her previous owners had fed her just one fishfinger a day.

After an appeal more than 100 people contacted the centre about Lola, and owner Jane Lee decided she would be happiest with the Castons.

Mr Caston added: “I think she needs some extra care now.

“I don't understand how people can treat a dog like that. Doing that to any animal is horrible, but especially a mastiff. They have a very high pain threshold and can suffer quite a lot without letting people know.”

If anyone is interested in helping to re-home other dogs at the centre, call 01728 747760.