Ben, our nine year old springer spaniel was left paralysed in his hind legs after collapsing suddenly at the end of April 2008. After a referral to a specialist neurologist, it is thought Ben had suffered a stroke to the lower spine and also lost control of his bladder and bowel movements. Ben had been playing in the garden one beautiful Monday morning and went to pick up a ball – but before he got there, we heard him yelping in pain and he just couldn’t get up. His back legs had gone. My family; my husband and our 6 year old twin daughters were left devastated after Ben’s diagnosis and feared for his future when the cost of veterinary bills, rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy were revealed. The specialist hospital had used up our insurance as well as our savings and we were desperately seeking financial help to cover the costs of Ben’s hospitalisation and ongoing rehabilitation which would give him a chance of recovery. We no longer had funds to pay for it.

I contacted many well known animal charities and repeatedly asked them to help. I was turned down by most as they had strict criteria in helping only those who were in receipt of some benefit from the council.

Then, somehow, I made contact with Lyn from Happy Dogs and without any conditions, or strict criteria, after listening to our story and talking to our vets, Lyn made a generous donation. This has helped Ben receive hydrotherapy sessions for a few months and also contributed to the extremely high veterinary bills.

Ben has been home since 30 May 2008 and is walking. The vets had wanted to put him down but with our persistence and love along with Lyn’s support, emotionally and financially, Ben is a HAPPY DOG!

We met Lyn last week. We were all very happy and excited. Lyn is a very extraordinary and special lady giving unconditionally because she genuinely wants to help out of love. Its people like Lyn that give our beloved pets a voice so they can be heard and at least be given a chance to live.