Shropshire internet sensation Bulley the dog dies in USA

Bulley the dog had a fan base of thousands and ended his life with an adventure that took him to America.

The crossbred dog, who was originally from Shrewsbury, faced the prospect of being a permanent resident after nine years at Hilbrae Pets Hotel and Stray Kennels in Cold Hatton, Telford.

His story featured on TV and in magazines after it was told in the Shropshire Star. And he became an internet sensation, with his own blog on Facebook and Twitter which to this day has thousands of followers.

Finally in December 2013, a couple from Devon, Babs and David Bufton, came forward to offer him a home – and when they moved to America Bulley went with them and had the time of his life.

The 14-year-old, thought to be a Staffordshire bull terrier crossed with an English bull terrier, travelled to Chicago with his adoring owners and kept all his fans in the UK posted on his whereabouts on his blog.

Mr and Mrs Bufton used his blog to announce the sad news of Bulley's death.

Vets were unable to save him when, during an operation, they found cancer had spread throughout his body. Mrs Bufton today said she was "heartbroken" but that rehoming Bulley was the best thing she'd ever done.

She said: "Everybody loved Bulley, I was with him until the end when they put him to sleep. The last thing he heard was me whispering in his ear telling him how much I loved him."

It was Marty Burrell, who runs the Cold Hatton kennels and hotel, who made a big push with her staff to get their most famous resident the home of his dreams.

She said: "Those of us who have dogs that we love or have loved will understand how Babs and David will be feeling now.

"They gave him a wonderful year, we all shared his epic journey across America and have enjoyed following his new life. Rest in peace, dear Bulley."

The Bulley Bufton Foundation has been set up to raise money for kennels like Hilbrae, which work to rehome thousands of dogs.