A TEENAGER is living in a tent in Weymouth so she can look after her beloved pet dog.

Kayleigh Caswell, 16, and her mother Eileen were forced to move into bed and breakfast accommodation when they were made homeless.

But the pair were heartbroken when they found out their three-year-old German Shepherd Salty wouldn't be allowed in their new home.

Kayleigh is now living in a £50 tent with Salty on the recreation ground off Fairview Road in Wyke Regis because she can't face being parted from him.

Mum Eileen, 52, is staying in bed and breakfast accommodation nearby and visits her daughter daily.

The pair hope a kind Dorset Echo reader can offer Salty a temporary home so Kayleigh can join her mum and get a good night's sleep. They hope to secure a dog-friendly flat in the near future but have been told by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council it could take up to six months.

Kayleigh, who hopes to go on a Paragon Training course and learn childcare, said: "It gets cold in the tent and it blows around a lot at night.

"A lot of people might think it's silly but I can't bear to leave Salty. He's big and soft and doesn't hurt anyone."

Mrs Caswell, who is originally from Newcastle and split from Kayleigh's father when they moved to Weymouth, said a friend had arranged to look after the dog when they were made homeless but the arrangement fell through.

She said: "We've had Salty since he was a pup. He's as soft as muck but he can be a good guard dog.

"If there's anyone can help us until we get ourselves sorted we would be very grateful."

She added: "People might think I'm heartless but if I left the accommodation we would lose our place on the waiting list.

"This is all wrong. I don't want my daughter living in a tent. I feel we're being persecuted."

A spokesman for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said: "We understand Mrs Caswell and her daughter are distraught but unfortunately there's nothing we can do.

"Our duty is towards people and their belongings. We're not obliged to make arrangements for the dog."

If you can offer Salty a temporary home call Martin Lea at the Dorset Echo on 01305 830983.