Beverley Cuddy

Blue's Tailwaggers appeal

Fundraising for Tailwaggers Club Trust
£450
raised of £6,500 target
Donations cannot currently be made to this page
Blue's Tailwaggers Appeal, 11 April 2012

Story

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In March this year, a well-trodden walk turned sour when Hungarian Viszla-cross Blue was hit by a train. The two-year-old had given chase to what owner Debbie Weston first thought was a squirrel, and when he did not return after three minutes, she and husband Vince knew something was wrong. After 20 minutes of searching, Vince checked the railway line which runs adjacent to the Lavender Hill Cemetery where they had been walking.
Blue had passed straight through the weak fencing along the railway line in Enfield, north London, and had become caught in the track. Vince called to Blue, who was able to lift his head but could not break free, so Vince ran down to the track, pulled him out, and carried the seven-stone dog toward the car.
The Westons raced to their vet, who treated him for a punctured lung and quickly transferred him to the Royal Veterinary College in Hatfield. Blue was helped to breath by a machine for three days, and underwent extensive surgery to insert pins in his spine, pelvis and both legs, with a nylon cord holding his left hip in place. He had a large gash along his back and a hole in his face, which went right through to the teeth. Unfortunately Blue developed an infection in his wound, but is responding well to antibiotics.
After two weeks in hospital, including five days in intensive care, the vet advised the Westons to take him home to avoid contracting any further infections from other dogs. Keeping him separate from Staffie Buster proved difficult as the 14-year-old could not understand why he wasn’t allowed to play with his brother, but Debbie is working hard on Blue’s physiotherapy, which he needs four times a day, and he is improving.
Debbie said, “I always knew nurses work hard, but I have so much more respect for them now!”
Later this month, Blue must have another X-ray to see if he has a deep infection; the Westons are keeping everything crossed that he doesn’t. His hair is growing back and his scars are healing well, and he has remained a good boy throughout his ordeal.
Debbie has been unable to work for the past 14 months due to health problems and although Vince works, his sole income just about covers their bills. All of the Weston’s dogs have been insured, including Blue, until Debbie was forced to give up work and the family could not afford the insurance premiums. Blue’s bill currently stands at over £7000 and could rise if his wounds develop further infection. The family has remortgaged their house to pay as much of Blue’s bill as possible and Tailwaggers Club Trust has contributed to his treatment, but the Westons would be very grateful for any further help to cover these costs.
Debbie said, “Blue just brings so much joy into our lives.
“I would like to thank Tailwaggers for all their help. Carol and the team are lovely and have been a great help.”

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About the charity

The Tailwaggers Club Trust mainly makes grants to help needy people faced with veterinary bills. Occasionally it makes grants to other animal charities to assist in special projects aimed at improving treatment for sick or injured animals.

Donation summary

Total raised
£449.50
+ £93.63 Gift Aid
Online donations
£449.50
Offline donations
£0.00

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