A family who have experienced the “heartbreaking” experience of their dog becoming paralysed are reaching out to the local community.
The Robbie family from Elgin own eight-year-old Sunny the boxer dog.
She has been diagnosed with a tumour on her spine which vets say will be difficult to operate. Having had an MRI scan the cost of removal would be around £2,000 and there is no guarantee the operation would work.
The tumour is affecting her nerves meaning she is gradually becoming paralysed in her back legs and can no longer run along the beach or play with other dogs.
The family are now raising money to buy a bespoke made to measure wheelchair which costs £350 with their current total sitting at £88.
Emma Robbie, 23, of Murdoch Wynd, had a tear in her eye when describing how it was affecting her pet. She said: “Sunny enjoys being able to tear around after other dogs and just now she can’t keep up.
“I worry just now that she will break or dislocate her leg running about.
“Its heartbreaking to see her go through it.
“I got her when I was 14 so she helped me through the difficult teenage years.”
Emma added: “With the wheelchair she would be able to run around with the other dogs in the family and get her quality of life back.”
Sunny used to get involved in all different activities as Emma explained: “Sunny can be described as her name. She is up for anything and a bundle of fun.
“We used to take her up the mountain camping, canoeing and in the caravan she is game for anything.”
Emma’s sister Jen, 19, said: “Sunny’s tumour isn’t affecting her in any way other than the nerve damage – she’s completely healthy so far, except for the deterioration in the movement of her back legs. We’re hoping this means that she still has a long time ahead of her of being happy.”
Once Sunny is no longer in need of the wheelchair it will be donated to an animal welfare charity with any extra going towards any medication or vets bills.
To donate towards the wheelchair and a better quality of life for Sunny visit
https://www.justgiving.com/yimby/sunnysfund