Just like Cinderella, Zabella had an unglamorous start to life, left for dead at Griffith Pound as a small puppy.

With scruffy blonde curls and a mischievous nature, council rangers feared she may never find someone to love her.

But the fairytale was only about to begin.

Local woman Sandra Reginato, still mourning the loss of her beloved Maltese-cross Lucy the previous year, was on an overseas trip when her adult children saw Zabella advertised in The Area News’ Dog of the Week section.

They thought she was the perfect pooch to mend their mum’s broken heart – and they were right.

Through intensive training and more than a few sessions in the beauty parlour, Mrs Reginato has transformed the orphan pup into a princess.

“I was so heartbroken when my Lucy died and I didn’t think I could ever love another dog the same,” Mrs Reginato said.

“When I got Zabella, I knew nothing of her past and she had a few trust issues.

“But I put her through an eight-week training and it took a few months, but now she’s so special to us.”

Zabella is one of dozens of dogs each year rehomed through council’s Adopt a Pet program.

“We work hard at trying to adopt out pets rather than the other option,” council’s compliance co-ordinator Michael Toohey said.

“It’s wonderful to get feedback like this and to see such a happy ending.”