A Peverell family are appealing for help in meeting a big vet’s bill for their French Bulldog puppy.
The cute eight-month-old puppy called Bear was born with a major deformity in both front feet and faces extensive surgery and treatment in the coming months.
The family – Rachel Noble, her 11-year-old daughter Emily and partner Howard Greenhalgh – are hoping fellow dog lovers will support their fund-raising efforts.
The family’s French Bulldog Daisy Mae had her first litter in August last year giving birth to five puppies. The family kept three of them – including Bear. The other two were found new homes.
Rachel’s mother Christa was staying with the family when the puppies were born.
“They were all gorgeous, but we realised straight away that Bear had major problems. We couldn’t think about have him put down,” she said.
“We take all the dogs – including my Rottweiler – for walks in Central Park and Bear is adored by lots of dog walkers. He is the cutest of the bunch and quite a little celebrity. People stop and stroke him and ask him about his front legs,” added Christa.
“We would love to him to live a long and happy life and be able to keep up with his mum Daisy Mae and two sibling sisters Rosie and Violet.
“Our vet has assured us that this is possible and that Bear’s legs can be fixed but this may take a number of operations. The specialised surgery needs to be performed soon as he is growing every day and putting more strain on his legs.”
Bear has had a CT scan, and has been referred to specialist orthopaedic surgeons in Bristol and has his appointment in June.
Christa added:
“Our personal funds are a bit low at the moment so we have set up a Gofundme campaign on Facebook and Instagram, as ‘The Bear 2020’ to try to get the money together to go towards the costs of his surgery, because birth defects are generally not covered by pet insurance.
“We are appealing to the dog lovers of Plymouth if they could donate a couple of pounds or whatever you can afford, however little, towards his cause we would be eternally grateful or to share our cause with as many people as you are able, as that would also be a great help.
“The time can’t come soon enough when we will be able to see Bear keeping up with mum and his sisters.
“And of course we will post updates and pictures when he’s had his operation showing off his straight little legs.”
Anyone who can help Bear can make a donation at https://gofund.me/0bb240d1
