The story of Ethel the white lop-eared rabbit and her owner, Zoe Holbourne, will be shown at 9pm on Channel 4, as part of documentary series Cutting Edge's Special Needs Pets programme.

Zoe, from Connah's Quay, adopted Ethel three years ago from Greenfield Heritage Centre, after the level of care she needed became too much for her previous owners.

Ethel had lost the use of her hind legs and was diagnosed as partially paralysed and in need of specialist care, and Zoe, who had 14 years experience as a volunteer at Capricorn Animal Rescue in Padeswood, decided she would take Ethel and her sister Roberta under her wing.

"Ethel needs certain specialist care because of her condition and the production company got in contact when I was ordering specialist nappies for Ethel on the internet," said Zoe.

"Ethel has to be bathed regularly because she can't clean herself properly, which can prove difficult at night. So I got in touch with a dog nappy specialist who sent me the smallest nappies they had.

"He asked if he could pass my details to the production company and everything came from there."

Cameramen and production staff descended on Zoe's home in Llwyni Drive, Wepre, on three occasions, interviewing her and filming Ethel in her specialist wheelchair.

"Her little cart fascinates everyone," said Zoe, "I ordered it from the States, to give her a bit more movement – she really whizzes around on it. It makes a nice change to her dragging herself about.

"She is the happiest, most beautiful little rabbit and I have so much affection for her.

"The truth is, she is a very special rabbit and if I can prolong her life, knowing that she has a good quality of life then while I can, I will."

She added: "It might encourage other people not to throw in the towel so easily. Hopefully that comes across in the documentary."

Watch Zoe and Ethel's story on Cutting Edge on Channel 4, at 9pm tonight.

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