A DISABLED man tried to ensure his "best friend" Rocky lived on by advertising for a doggy mate to mother his puppies.

David Johnson offered to pay reasonable costs for the union.

But on the day the advert appeared in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Rocky, a Great Dane/Labrador cross, died leaving David Johnson heartbroken and rueful.

"He was like a brother to me and I will miss him so much," said David, 38, of Portree Crescent, Blackburn. "It is the biggest regret of my life that I didn't ensure he lived on through his own puppies. I meant to place the advert ages ago, but it was one of those things that kept getting put off."

The father-of-two, who is wheelchair-bound as a result of a degenerative joint disease, added: "Rocky was so special and meant the world to me and my children.

"He didn't care about my disability, or my medication-induced mood swings. He just loved me for what I am and I loved him back."

David, who was discharged from the army in 1992 on medical grounds, revealed that he had tried to find the canine equivalent of a sperm bank.

"I am sure there will be something somewhere, but the vet had never heard of it and I couldn't find any details anywhere," said David. "It was just another way of keeping him alive."

Rocky, who was 13, died in David's arms on Saturday night. His health had been failing for a number of months.

"I got Rocky soon after I was discharged from the army and it was only meant to be for one night," said David. "He had got too big for the people who had him and he was going to be put down. I knew that first night he was the dog for me and he was with me from then. He was my gentle giant and I will miss him terribly."

David is anxious to provide a loving home for another dog, preferably a young, male, medium to large animal.

"I am not looking to replace Rocky, I never could, but as a family we have a space and it would be a shame not to fill it," he added.

Anyone who can help should contact David on 01254 671973 or 07742 568296.