One Kesgrave man has made it his mission to save Romanian dogs from kill shelters after he adopted street dog Chaz who was just moments away from death.

Gavin Hamilton, 73, has lived in Kesgrave for 23 years and is known to many as either 'the dog man' or 'the watch man'.

The latter nickname comes from watch repairs he undertakes for locals, in aid of donations to help save dogs in Romania.

Ipswich Star: Gavin Hamilton's mission started with his dog Chaz.Gavin Hamilton's mission started with his dog Chaz. (Image: Gavin Hamilton)

But why Romanian street dogs? His mission began with one small puppy called Chaz.

On October 16, 2013, Chaz's mother went into labour on top of a small stack of pallets in a public dog shelter in Bucharest.

Appalled at the conditions of this kill shelter, two UK visitors spotted her and decided they would take them home.

Ipswich Star: Chaz was born in Romania inside a dog shelter.Chaz was born in Romania inside a dog shelter. (Image: Gavin Hamilton)

Despite meeting angry shouts from dog catchers to "leave her alone," they knew they couldn't stand by knowing that the dogs would be killed.

Waiting around the corner until the catchers had left, they quickly bundled the mother and two puppies she had already delivered and made a quick getaway.

Chaz was born just moments later on the back seat of the car.

 Ipswich Star: Mr Hamilton met Chaz at Hillside Animal Rescue in Norfolk.Mr Hamilton met Chaz at Hillside Animal Rescue in Norfolk. (Image: Gavin Hamilton)

Mr Hamilton met Chaz at Hillside Animal Rescue in Norfolk eleven months later and said he had no choice but to adopt him.

"I always knew it had to be a rescue dog," he said.

"Chaz just leapt out of the screen at me and that was it - I had to have him."

Ipswich Star: As the months rolled by, Chaz came out of his shell and blossomed into a happy, healthy and confident dog.As the months rolled by, Chaz came out of his shell and blossomed into a happy, healthy and confident dog. (Image: Gavin Hamilton)

As the months rolled by, Chaz came out of his shell and blossomed into a happy, healthy and confident dog.

Now, Mr Hamilton does his bit from Kesgrave by helping other dogs find families in the UK through his Facebook page 'Rescued Rommies for Rehoming'.

"Dogs don't have geography," he said.

"I just like to help the ones who need my help the most."

And thus, one man's love affair with saving Romanian street dogs has helped over 200 more find a happy home here in the UK.