Ben is a charismatic five-year old Rottweiler Staffie cross. He’s quite a handsome feller, and is the dog who greets everyone or wanders over to reassure the nervous pooch. Ben is a big favourite with dogs and local people alike. When he could walk better dog walker’s often asked if they could take Ben as he provided a sense of calm to their packs!

I’ve cared for Ben since he was 1. When I registered him with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) they discovered he had Elbow Dysplasia in his front left leg. The timing of his diagnosis meant I couldn't insure him for the condition and it has grown worse.

I’ve tried everything to manage his condition: swimming, diet, exercise. Ben is also on expensive daily medication, but his condition continues to deteriorate and now he is now barely able to get up for his morning stroll.

He’s is still a very sociable, lively dog but when he is out he chooses to lie down and becomes withdrawn. The pain he is in is clear to see. It is heartbreaking.

It’s time to try a new approach.

The drugs don't work and are not good for him in the long term, so this leaves surgery. Ben isn’t insured for this procedure and it is expensive so I’ve decided to try to raise funds to pay for it and give him the chance of a pain free life.

Ben needs your help. The cost of the initial procedure including overnight hospitalization is £2,700. It consists of a CT Scan under general anesthetic at the RVC Hospital and an Arthroscopy procedure: removing shattered bone and cartilage. He may require a second operation but until the first procedure is complete I just don’t know if there will be one, or how much it may cost.

I need help to help Ben so I am asking you please to donate as much as you can. I am also running a number of fundraising activities that I’ll talk about here and at www.facebook.com/fundsforben/ I hope to raise funds by November 2016.

Thank you all for your help! This will be life-changing for Ben.