An urgent appeal has been launched to help an unwell Border Collie.
Six-year-old Dodge faces a serious health battle and Eden Animal Rescue is hoping people will help it treat him and pay for the specialist care he needs.
Dodge is living at Eden Animal Rescue – and it is his second stay with the charity.
He was first handed into its care in 2021 as a two-year-old unwanted pet.
In July 2022, he was adopted by a couple from West Cumbria; however, they died, and in November 2024 was returned to Eden Animal Rescue.
Eden Animal Rescue Trustee, Fran Flower said: “When Dodge first came to us in 2021 he was a nervous dog and hadn’t been well socialised. As a result he was extremely nervous in the company of other dogs.
“He found the ideal home when he was adopted by an early retired couple in West Cumbria who had a large garden and 21 acres of land.
“It appeared Dodge had really ‘fallen on his paws’! He was gradually introduced to the dog belonging to a relative and he spent quite a time being driven around in the family camper van.
“Once he was confident and happy in this plans for travelling further afield were made. Later in the Summer of 2022 Dodge travelled down with his owners to a Steam Fair in Dorset where he met other dogs without any signs of stress.
“Very sadly, soon after this, his ‘human mum’ died. Dodge and his ‘dad’ became inseparable, but in 2024, he too died.
“The family were unable to take care of Dodge, so in November 2024, he returned to Eden Animal Rescue, a bewildered and grieving animal who had lost the loving home his devoted owners had given him. He has now been back in the charity’s care for more than a year.”
In recent months, Dodge has become increasingly unwell. He is suffering from severe, ongoing gastrointestinal problems and despite extensive veterinary investigations, the underlying cause could not be identified.
With his condition still unresolved, Dodge has now been referred for specialist care at Wear Referrals Specialist Veterinary Hospital near Stockton-on-Tees where it is expected he will undergo further investigations and probable gastro- intestinal surgery at a cost of several thousand pounds.
Sarah Bean, general manager at Eden Animal Rescue, said: “Dodge has been through more heartbreak than any dog should ever have to endure. He is the sweetest, most gentle boy, and watching him struggle has been incredibly difficult for all of us.
“We have tried everything within our means, but he now urgently needs specialist care.
“We are asking our wonderful community to help us give Dodge the chance of a healthy, happy future. Every single donation truly makes a difference. We look forward to the day when he is returned to full health and a new forever home with the family he so deserves.”
Eden Animal Rescue has set up an online fundraising page to help pay for Dodge’s treatment at https://gofund.me/d4a36c266.
Donations can also be given at the Eden Animal Rescue shops in Penrith and Kirkby Stephen, and by contacting their HQ at Moorlands Head Farm, Newbiggin, Temple Sowerby, Penrith on 01931 716 114 or email [email protected]
