Dogged drive to give pet good life; Cancer op for dumped terrier
Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Dec 24, 2009
Byline: KATIE DAVIES
SHE made a miraculous recovery after she was abandoned and now Muffin the dog is about to battle for life again.
Muffin, a Border Terrier, was found dumped in Chesterle-Street and was close to death.
But the plucky terrier was given a new home with John and Jenny Stafford in Morpeth, Northumberland.
Staff at Westway Veterinary Group treated the terrier, who is blind and partially deaf, for ear, skin and bladder infections.
They also diagnosed malignant mammary tumours.
Jason Atherton, the partner at Westway in Stanley, said: “Durham County Animal Ambulance found Muffin starving, sick and cold.
“We did not think she was going to make it, but thanks to quick treatment and some tender loving care, she has made a full recovery.”
Now that Muffin is well enough, she is to undergo surgery to remove her tumours.
Mr Atherton said: “Muffin completely defied the odds to survive her ordeal.
“Now we need to remove the tumours so she can enjoy the rest of her life with her new owners.
“The surgery is complex and expensive but Westway’s Stray Fund exists to help animals just like Muffin, so we had no hesitation in funding it ourselves.”
The voluntary organisation People’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Team (PARRT) found a foster home for Muffin, before helping with the move to her permanent home.
Linda Wilkinson of PARRT, which is contributing pounds 100 towards the surgery costs, said: “Muffin now has a bright future in a happy home, thanks to a real collective effort by voluntary organisations.”
The Westway Stray Fund relies on charitable donations to treat and save animals like Muffin.
To make a donation, please contact Jason Atherton on 0191 370 0369.
CAPTION(S):
HAPPY TAIL: Muffin out walking in the snow with her caring new owners John and Jenny Stafford, of Morpeth