Facing a death sentence, nothing short of a Christmas miracle was going to save the young dog from a likely execution.

Thankfully for yet unnamed terrier, an eleventh hour decision has given her a second chance at life.

In a heart warming ending fit for a Disney classic, the adorable dog has found a loving and caring home only days before Christmas.

Ganmain resident Susan Kirk and her three daughters recently opened their home to the pup – now affectionately called Emily.

Susan and her daughters have been considering adopting a new dog since their beloved chihuahua cross passed away.

“Since our family lost of dog Missy, all my daughter has wanted for Christmas was another dog just like her,” Susan said.

“We went into Wagga to visit the pound and asked if we could possibly get another Missy.

“There weren’t any of her breed at the shelter but we fell in love with the beautiful long-haired Jack Russell.”

Susan said her oldest daughter Jessica, aged 14,

understood it was unlikely the loveable Jack Russell would make a third Christmas if the family did not decide to give her a new home.

“We talked the situation over and she knew Emily wouldn’t still be there if we did not decide to adopt her,” Susan said.

“I didn’t get into that with the younger girls, but it didn’t matter because they already loved her.”

Emily is the first rescue dog the Kirk family have welcomed into their home, and Susan said she is very proud of her daughters for making the decision to adopt the unlucky young dog.

“It was a nice thing for the girls to do before Christmas,” she said. “We all just love her so much.

“She already runs the household.”