A loveable dog impailed himself on a stick during a game of fetch

A loveable dog called Charlie came within half an inch of death — after impaling himself on a stick during a game of fetch.

Charlie suffered a punctured lung and broken rib when the stick ripped through his chest after it reared up from the ground when he jumped on it.

The stick wedged itself into Charlie’s chest at a 90 degree angle, missing his heart by just half an inch.

Veterinary staff from pet emergency service Vets Now raced to the scene to try to save the stricken pooch.