A Scots mum is facing a huge bill to save her dog's life after the beloved pet became paralysed out of the blue.
Simone Sloan, from Milngavie near Glasgow, is heartbroken at the thought of losing Champ, five, after the pooch suddenly became unable to move.
The 44-year-old has had the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise cross since he was around eight-weeks-old and he helped her while she was grieving the loss of her husband, who died after being diagnosed with cancer, aged just 34, 10 years ago.
However, the animal is facing being put down if vital funds can't be raised to help pay for life saving treatment.
Vets believe he might have Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and the dog requires an MRI scan to have this confirmed before surgery.
Classroom assistant Simone, who lives with her young son, says she has been quoted £3,500 for the MRI and £4,500 for surgery - which will ultimately save Champ's life. He will then require physiotherapy as he recovers from the procedure.
Speaking to Glasgow Live, Simone said: "I had really bad anxiety after my husband passed away. It forced me to get out with my son and take him for walks and he brought a lot more joy in our lives.
"He rescued us because we were going through a hard time and has been a big support for us.
"He was fine one day and then the next day he couldn’t go up and down the stairs. He was really bad on Monday, February 20, which was the 10th anniversary of my husband passing away and I thought please don’t let something bad happen today.
"By the Wednesday he was staggering everywhere and could hardly hold himself up. I took him back to the vets and they said to lift him up and down to go to the toilet. He got worse after that.
"I was devastated, he is part of the family and got us through so much. I had to be truthful and tell my son there’s a possibility Champ might not be here because he was in a lot of pain as well."
Simone's pet insurance covers just £7,000 a year however it's broken down to £2,000 per treatment - so does not cover the cost of the MRI or surgery.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Simone's friends to help her raise the vital funds she needs to get Champ the life-changing treatment he requires.
Over the last few days his spirits have been "lifted" as he receives physiotherapy but he has still been unable to do the toilet independently.
Simone said: "His legs are paralysed at the back so he just drags them but he has managed to stand on all four paws for 20 seconds before he sits. The problem is he can’t go outside and do the toilet because his legs aren’t working properly so he’s just been in the house on puppy pads for the past couple of weeks.
"They said there’s no point getting money for the MRI unless you can do the surgery too. They said he would need surgery to fix him.
"It’s been a dire situation and we thought we were going to lose him but his spirit is back which is great.
"It (the support) restores your faith in humanity with people being so kind and caring so much. It’s been overwhelming in a very good way.
"Any help would be amazing, even if we could just keep up with the physio."
Simone added: "I also just want to make others aware of their own pet insurance and vet fees. I thought being covered for £7,000 a year and £2,000 per ailment was a good amount until I found out that it was £3,500 for an MRI and £4,500 for surgery."
To donate to the fundraiser and help save Champ's life, click here.
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