Watford animal lovers have helped raise £2,000 in just four days for a former Top Dog Model rottweiler from the town to undergo life-saving surgery.

Watford rottweiler Scarlett was a popular 2012 finalist of ITV2’s Top Dog Model.

But the six-year-old pooch was diagnosed with Lumbosacral Disease at the start of this year and has since been on restricted walks and a course of epidurals.

After making no improvements, vets said surgery was the only option.

Despite having insurance, the estimated cost of the specialist surgery is more than £7,000 so owner Anthony Skordis, 39, set up a GoFundMe fundraising page to help secure the rest of the funds.

In just four days, more than £2,000 had been donated to the costs of a vital spinal operation for Scarlett.

Specialist SuperVet Noel Fitzpatrick is set to carry out the procedure later in the month.

Mr Skordis said he's been overwhelmed by the response.

He said: "I’ve been totally overwhelmed with the donations to Scarlett’s GoFundMe page.

"Scarlett has a lot of lovely fans and they’ve all pulled together to make this happen - we’re thrilled to have over raised £2,000 in just four days.

"Thank you to everyone that has helped us reach our goal. We thank you from the bottom of our heart and are truly overwhelmed with the response we got.

"Will keep you updated with how everything goes. Hugs from me and my gorgeous Scarlett."

Kelsea Little, media director at GoFundMe.com, said GoFundMe campaigns in Watford saw a 387 per cent increase in donation volume between 2013 and 2014 for a whole host of different causes from medical expenses, education costs, volunteer programmes, youth sports to funerals and memorials - even animals and pets.

She said: "Anthony’s fundraising campaign for Scarlett has been incredibly successful, raising an amazing £2,000 in just four days.

"This campaign is a shining example of what can happen when GoFundMe is used to its full potential."

For more information visit Mr Skordis' GoFundMe page here.