Family and friends who have desperately been  trying to raise money for a dog in need of a critical operation have been “overwhelmed” with donations from the community.

Gill Evans, who is originally from Stoneclough but now lives in Swinton, set a GoFundMe crowdfunding appeal up to raise money for Louise Sothern’s three-year-old French bulldog Bonnie.

Bonnie was first diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in July, and Louise said that Bonnie was in constant agony even though she has been put on a series of medication.

And now thanks to those who donated they managed to raise £2,160, which Gill says made a “huge difference” and gave Bonnie a “fighting chance of survival”.

 

Gill said: “We were able to pay part up front and the vets agreed to allow the remainder to be put on a payment plan which wouldn’t have been possible without the funding we received.

“We have had lots of donations and messages of support.

“It was overwhelming.”

Bonnie had an operation to remove a disk, and because they managed to get the operation done in time a 100 per cent recovery was more or less guaranteed.

If they had waited longer and she had got to 50 per cent spine compression, paralysis would have set in and there would be a slim chance of the operation being a success and her being able to live a normal life.

Louise said: “Bonnie has had her follow up with the surgeon who have said she is recovering extremely well.

The Bolton News: Bonnie with her pal after major operationBonnie with her pal after major operation (Image: Public)“She won’t need physio and she is being weaned off her pain medication, and after another seven days rest she can start being introduced into exercise again with short 10-minute walks to start with.

“And they have said she will be able to live the life of a normal dog, which is amazing. “Bonnie is already coming back to her little happy self and her eyes look brighter.

“She looks happy, and we are struggling to keep her calm now as she is getting excited and keeps trying to scurry across the floor and play, which is great to see.”

Gill says that she has kept everyone updated on the GoFundMe page and people are still donating and leaving nice messages.

They are continuing to donate to help towards her recovery to help with the payment plan.

Gill added: “People are donating as well wishes, to buy her some toys and treats.”

Louise added: “It’s so lovely so we wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone because this would not have been possible without all the donations we received, and the community really have saved Bonnie’s life.

“It’s amazing how much people care about her and have helped her.

“Since the operation we have received a further £35 in donations which we are putting towards the repayment plan as Bonnie is already a spoilt princess with a cupboard full of treats and two full to the brim toy baskets.”

To help Bonnie on her recovery journey click here (www.gofundme.com/f/jyz7ux-save-bonnies-life).

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.