AN East Renfrewshire man will be joined by Scotland’s most famous rescue dog as they pound the streets for a fundraising challenge.

Shar Pei crossbreed Kai hit the headlines in 2015 after being abandoned at a train station in Ayr with a suitcase of his belongings.

Later that year, the Scottish SPCA found Kai his new ‘forever’ home with Ian Russell.

Now the duo are raising cash for the charity by taking part in its Pound for Paws challenge, which involves running 30km in 30 days during August.

Ian, of Newton Mearns, has previously completed the London Marathon for the worthy cause and regularly goes running with his four-legged friend.

“Rehoming Kai was the best thing I’ve ever done,” he told the Barrhead News. “I feel grateful that he is in my life.

“I take him everywhere with me and he loves being outdoors, which is lucky, as I do too.

“I believe it was fate that Kai and I were brought together.

“I decided to take part in Pound for Paws for the Scottish SPCA as they are a wonderful charity that finds forever homes for animals in need like Kai.”

Katrina Cavanagh, of the Scottish SPCA, said she is thrilled to see Ian and Kai taking on the Pound for Paws event, although she stressed that dog owners should always consult a vet before undertaking any fitness activity with their pet.

“Kai is probably one of our most famous rescue animals,” she added. “The image of him alone at the train station with his suitcase resonated with people worldwide.

“We were overwhelmed with people wanting to rehome him but, in the end, he went to his loving forever home and we could not be happier for them both.”

To sponsor Ian and Kai, visit HERE.