Spyro the miniature dragon

And as animated as Spyro was when they first met, he was perfect in Mr Carrasco’s eyes.

With four Jack Russells already in his care, he was more than happy to take in the little ankle-biter.

He also wasn’t afraid to part with $700 if it meant he could save Spyro.

“He was bones, you could see every one of his spinal bones ... pigeon bone here, they used to stand out like a golf ball,” Mr Carrasco said.

“It was either rescue him or they would have surrendered him.”

Now at two years old, Spyro already feels right at home.

Spyro loves sleeping in late after a good night’s rest, all snuggled up with a blanket in his crate.

And, of course, Mr Carrasco is right there to tuck him in.

“He’ll stand up against the baby gate and go, ‘come on, I wanna go to bed’,” he said.

His favourite spot, however, is snuggled up with his ‘mum’, Tammie-Marie.

And although he isn’t fussed with fancy toys, the Jack Russell can’t resist a good chunk of cardboard to play tug-of-war with.

Spyro loves his liver treats, and every time he’s out and about on his leash, he’s always bursting with energy.

“All animals deserve a chance at life,” Mr Carrasco said.

“They all need love and that’s all it took.

“Lots and lots of love.”