A desperate plea has been issued after a dog spent 20 days in intensive care after swallowing a plastic tablecloth.
Two-year-old Hufflepuff managed to eat his way through part of the unforgiving fabric when his owner turned her back for just minutes to tend to her foster horse.
The bitzer, fondly known as Cockieshitpookie, suffered severe trauma to his intestines and had to undergo a four hour surgery to remove the tablecloth.
After spending 20 days in intensive care with specialist drugs and round the clock nursing care, Hufflepuff racked up £12,000 in vets bills.
Thankfully, his insurance covers £7,000 - but his owner has been left with £5,000 to try to cover through her state pension.
Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories.
Owner Sue Penda opened her own animal rescue centre in Cornwall more than 12 years ago, where she cared for and rehomed hundreds of dogs before retiring in 2017.
Her friend, Donna Burgess said: "I've never known her not be doing something to help somebody. Dogs, horses or cats, if they need help, shelter or treatment, she's there for them.
"She is a responsible owner. All her animals are insured but 2021 gave her the most awful run of poor luck.
"She nursed and lost three of her dogs to cancer in less than 12 months.
"With two of them going beyond their insurance cover, Sue funded their treatment from savings and selling her vehicle."
Donna, from, Redruth, Cornwall, has set up a GoFundMe page to help Sue cover Hufflepuff's medical costs.
The 54-year-old added: "A lot of people would have given up but not Sue.
"It will be years before Sue is clear of the remaining debt, using nothing but her state pension to repay the cost.
"I would dearly love to raise as much as possible to help towards Hufflepuff's vet bill and I would be deeply grateful if you felt able to contribute.
"All monies will go directly to his veterinary cost."
Sue and Donna have thanked their veterinary team for the "awesome" treatment they have provided Hufflepuff with throughout his time in their care.
"He thinks he is jointly owned by all the staff, who all gave much of their time, care and love free of charge,"said Donna.
"I dread to think what the total bill would have been without their generosity."
Hufflepuff has been described as a "right character" who has a "vitality for life that is a joy to see".
To donate towards Hufflepuff's vet bills, visit Donna's GoFundMe page.
Do you have a dog story to sell? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
