A dog breeder is "desperate" to stop a nine-month-old puppy being put down after he was "neglected" by his owners.
Astrid Mahon, from Leeds, welcomed four puppies into her home on July 7, 2022, when her cockapoo Luna gave birth. One of the male puppies and identical twin, named Cedar, stayed with her for five months before being taken to his "forever home" in December 2022 by a family.
Astrid, who decided to sell the puppies when the cost of living crisis hit, said: "I did my utmost best to choose a loving family for him, who would love and care for him as I had." However, her once "clever and sociable" pup was left "malnourished" and turned "very nervous of everyone and everything" after fourth months in his new home.
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On Easter Monday (April 10, 2023) Cedar was returned to his breeder's home, and now needs surgery costing £10,000. Astrid said: "Unfortunately, this turned out not to be his forever home, and due to the owners being unable to continue to look after him, he was returned to me on Easter Monday. The Cedar who came home to me was not the lively, inquisitive, happy dog I sent out into the world. He is frightened of everything - people, dogs and every little noise.
"He has clearly not continued to be socialised as he should have, which has left him very nervous and wary of everyone and everything. His fur was extremely long, knotted and matted. Once I had a groomer come and give him a haircut, I could see just how underweight he is. His spine, ribs and hip bones are visible, and he is malnourished.
"After noticing some issues with his back legs, as well as being concerned about his weight, I took him to the vet to be checked over. I am devastated to learn that as a result of a lack of exercise combined with malnourishment."
Astrid explained that Cedar now has a underdeveloped muscles in both his hind legs, and his kneecaps displace every time he moves. She added that a vet said his condition is the most severe and it is likely his pain will cause damage to his hips and cruciate ligaments. Cedar now needs specialist treatment that will "ultimately save his life".
Astrid added: "Whilst I am giving Cedar the love and care he needs, the reality is that he requires the expertise of specialists in this field if he is to have the life that he deserves. With a referral to a specialist surgeon, anaesthetics, xrays and scans, the extent of surgery required, medication and rehabilitation; the cost for all the treatment Cedar needs will run into thousands of pounds. His little legs keep collapsing.
"Given his young age and the quality of life he would have without any treatment, the vet has advised me that the kindest thing to do would be to have Cedar put to sleep. I cannot bear to think that one of my puppies - such a beautiful, loving, affectionate - and above all young - dog may have to lose his life at nine months. He is now safe and loved at home with me, but I need help to be able to pay for the treatment."
Astrid has set up a Go Fund Me for her poorly pup. She added: "I know that money is tight for everyone at the moment, but please consider donating even a few pounds to help me get this little man fixed and on the way to the life he deserves rather than having to be put to sleep at nine months old. Some of your kind donations have been used for pain relief, dog food with added nutrition, and nutrient rich meat such as liver etc. Thank you."
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