A BELOVED family pet has been saved from the brink of death by the generosity of a local vet clinic and a national not-for-profit.
Robert Moore and his partner, Janine Long were faced with a heartbreaking dilemma earlier this year when Bruizer, their cherished nine-year-old Maltese Shih Tzu, fell critically ill.
Bruizer had developed a perineal hernia which required swift surgery, but despite the family’s best efforts and an offer of discounted surgery from Border Veterinary Clinic, they were unable to raise the funds to pay for the operation.
The family was advised that if surgery was not possible it would be in Bruizer’s best interests to be put to sleep.
Daughter, Chantelle Moore said it was crushing news for the family.
“We were very excited when out parents first brought Bruizer to our home more than nine years ago and we fell in love that day and have grown to love him even more,” she said.
“When he got sick we got him looked at by the beautiful people at Border Vet and they said he had developed a perineal hernia that needed to be removed as soon as possible.”
Ms Moore said the family couldn’t possibly afford the surgery, but they couldn’t bear to have Bruzier put down, so they began searching for an alternative means of raising the money.
“We searched everywhere and all of a sudden we came across the Pet Medical Crisis Fund, so we called and explained our situation,” she said.
The not-for-profit organisation was started six years ago to help pensioners prevent their pets from being euthanised.
“We rely on donations and we aim to give 100 per cent of all donations directly to pay veterinary bills for pensioners whose pets would otherwise be unnecessarily put to sleep,” organisation founder, Jennifer Hunt said.
“I run it as an unpaid volunteer and never take a dollar out of the charity for my own benefit or for administration costs.”
The fund offered to contribute $1000 to the cost of surgery, with the clinic covering the remainder of the hefty bill.
“That was the best phone call our family has ever received, knowing our dog now has a fighting chance at life again,” Ms Moore said.
Bruizer underwent surgery on March 31 and is making a full recovery.
Ms Moore urged other pet owners to have their animals de-sexed and ensure they keep up-to-date with vaccinations, saying Bruizer’s perineal hernia could have been avoided.
“Please, if you love your pets as much as we love our Bruizer, get them de-sexed and vaccinated and even get pet insurance” she said.
“I would like to thank Border Vet for having patience with us, and I would also like to thank the Pet Medical Crisis Fund because without you we would have lost Bruizer.
“Bruizer is not just our pet but one of our family members and we are not ready to let him go just yet.”
