Hope Rescue, a small, independent animal rescue based in Caerphilly South Wales, has launched its 'Little and Large' Emergency Appeal to raise funds for dogs in its care that need expensive veterinary treatment. Hope Rescue is a little charity with a large heart that saves dogs from put to sleep or emergency situations, irrespective of breed, age, medical condition or size! Chilli the Chihuahua was picked up as a stray
in Cardiff; she is around 4/5 years old and needs treatment for a hernia and other clinical investigations. At the other end of the scale, Max the Rottweiler has already had expensive treatment for an eye problem (over £600), needs surgery on his ears, at a cost of £2,500, and ongoing treatment for a skin condition. Once they have received the medical care they need, both of these dogs can be rehomed to loving families.

Some of the dogs that need help are only young. Jaffa the Jack Russell puppy was only 11 weeks old when he was taken to the vet by his owners; he was very ill but they could not afford treatment so were faced with having him put to sleep. Hope agreed to take Jaffa on and he had an operation to remove a small rubber ball he had swallowed. Jake is a 12 month old Collie cross; he was left at the vets by his owner, with a badly broken leg that needed surgery. Due to nature of the fracture and an infection, the bill for his treatment will be at least £2,000.

These are just four cases that will cost Hope over £6000 in vet fees alone. But there are more and more dogs every day that need help. Since April, Hope Rescue has incurred vet bills totalling over £20,000 - and the figure is still rising!

There is an obvious trend of dogs being abandoned or surrendered, as well as those taken to vets to be euthanised, because they have medical conditions that require costly treatment.This is placing an ever increasing burden on already stretched resources. Small charities like Hope Rescue, find it increasingly difficult to find the money needed as it relies so heavily on the generosity of the public to fund its work.With so many dogs needing expert care, the cost implications are huge but Hope Rescue will do everything it can to help the dogs that would otherwise have no chance at all.

Vanessa Waddon, co-founder of Hope Rescue, summed up the situation: “The number of stray dogs is increasing but it is not just the numbers that places a heavy burden on charities like Hope.We are being to ask to help more dogs in dire need whose owners either cannot or will not pay for them to get the treatment they need. “In the past week alone, three different vet practices have referred poorly dogs to us, so the problem is quite widespread. “I want to offer these dogs hope - and a second chance at a happy life.That is why we have decided to appeal directly for help to raise the funds to pay for the treatment they need - and then we can find them the loving, forever homes they deserve.” Anyone who would like to help these dogs in need, can donate by going to the Little and Large Emergency Appeal JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/Hope-Rescue-LittleandLarge-Appeal. Donations can also be made from mobiles using JustTextGiving by texting 'HOPE98' plus the amount to 70070.

Donations can also be sent directly to:The Treasurer, Hope Rescue, Bryony House,Willow Close, Ulceby. N Lincs. DN39 6UR. Everyone who donates £5 or more will be automatically entered into a Prize Draw to win a portrait of their pet, very kindly donated by artist Jay Diamond www.jaydiamond.co.uk

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