‘He means the world to us’: Keith dog owner’s fundraising plea for £3,500 to remove growth affecting pet pug’s breathing

The desperate owners of Beavis the pug are on a mission to raise £3,500 for a major operation to help his breathing.

Around two months ago, Keith couple Alex Lilja and Maciek Gorski felt there was something amiss with Beavis.

Vets in Inverness carried out X-rays, CT scans and blood tests on the two-year old dog – but tests came back inconclusive.

During a procedure, staff managed to drain 5ml of bloody fluid from a growth in his nose.

For a while the drainage did help, however the growth has returned.

Vets say Beavis needs surgery and aren’t sure whether the growth is a cyst or cancer.

It has affected the pug’s breathing.

Now, the couple is on a mission to raise the funds needed to cover the costs of the operation.

It is hoped that the urgent procedure can help get to the bottom of the issue.

‘He means the world to us’

The couple has already spent £2,000. They say their insurance company will not cover any of these procedures.

She explained: “We discovered the weird growth which was pushing on the rest of his face.

“We wanted to see if it healed after draining, but then the swelling came back.

“Last time around, as a family we pulled together to pay the bill.”

In September 2020, Alex Lilja and Maciek Gorski swapped London for Keith.

Alex added: “His presence has helped me to settle here.

“He means the world to us, and we fell in love with Beavis when we got him.

“The beach is his favourite place and he wants to say hi to everybody.

“He also enjoys road trips and is very low maintenance which is unusual for a small dog.”

Fundraising appeal

Some will be wondering why set up a fundraising page amid a cost-of-living crisis.

She added: “We know that it is an especially difficult time for many with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

“We understand that while many would like to help, it’s just not possible, so whatever you can donate is very much appreciated.

“Thanks to everyone who has shared and donated so far on the page.

“Every penny donated will go directly to Beavis’s bill at Scottish Vets in Inverness.”

Donations can be made here.