Strictly Come Dancing's Karen Hauer rescued an “incredible“ puppy that was tragically left to die on side of road.
The self-confessed dog lover, 41, is the proud owner of four rescue pups, and spoke about the heartbreaking journey one of her dogs has gone through.
Karen revealed her dog Phoebe has “been through so much” and had to have a leg amputated after being run over by a car when she was just six weeks old.
“(She) was just left to die on the side of the road… she's resilient and incredible and has shown me so much about just being kick a*s, but at the same time being so loving and just strong,” the professional dancer told Express.co.uk.
Karen touched upon her mental health struggles, and praised her dogs for helping her get through a really tough year.
“It's just one of those things where you feel that unconditional love… it has been absolutely incredible having my dogs, especially when I've been at my lowest,” she sweetly shared.
She said having to walk the dogs “forces you to get up and do something for them”, and she credited their unwavering loyalty for helping her through her darkest moments.
Earlier this year, Karen candidly shared details of her debilitating health battle, after she was diagnosed with alopecia and panic attacks. She said the stress of planning her wedding to Jordan Wyn-Jones, as well being on tour, was “really intense”, and she began to lose her hair.
“I had to slow down and collect myself. I had never experienced anything like that before,” she confessed.
Karen surprised fans when she revealed she and Jordan had wed in a lavish ceremony in June, exchanging vows at Chewton Glen in Hampshire in front of stars including It Takes Two host Janette Manrara.
The dancer, who was previously married to fellow Strictly pro Kevin Clifton, posted a picture of her and Jordan embracing after tying the knot, and Karen looked stunning in a long-sleeved gown with flowers in her curled hair.
“It was exactly what we had envisioned – but even better. It was like a breath of fresh air for us. Everything was easy and happy,” she told Hello!
