On Saturday evening, our Homecheck Coordinator Liz (Whizzie) posted this unsolicited but moving plea on the forum.
HEARTBREAK AT HQ "Sarah and Paul have been in tears this week. Visitors & dogwalkers are at an all time low. There was only one set of potential adopters – a nice couple who were there most of the day but didn’t adopt in the end because we couldn’t promise that the dog of their choice would not wee in the house. But even worse than all this is the news that the bank balance is, wait for it, ……….a meagre £13. Sarah and Paul realise that times are hard all round and don’t want to launch another campaign after the generous support for Alexa’s Christmas food appeal. Regardless of this, Jenny and I feel that we must make a plea to help Jasper. Jasper does not use his damaged leg, he never will now. It needs to be amputated and the sooner the better. There is infection in the wound (you can tell by the smell). This has improved with frequent cleaning with a medicated wash (which Jasper hates) and with antibiotics, but the antibiotics are upsetting Jasper’s system and causing him to wee in his bed which distresses him. The fee quoted for the operation to remove Jasper’s leg is £800. The coffers are empty. Jasper, and the other homeless dogs at Wiccaweys, need your help.
Can you do something, anything to help PLEASE? If you don’t have money to give, could you raise some? Maybe you could have a stall at a car boot, sell cakes at work…..
I urge you to try and help Jasper and Wiccaweys at this desperate time. Please don’t stand by and do nothing, leaving it to others. I am sure there is something that most of us on here can do if we really put our minds to it – not a big thing perhaps but don’t let that put you off. Lots of little things mount up and right now I think Sarah and Paul need to know that they are not alone and that people are behind them. Can we count on your support? Thank you, Liz"
HEARTBREAK AT HQ "Sarah and Paul have been in tears this week. Visitors & dogwalkers are at an all time low. There was only one set of potential adopters – a nice couple who were there most of the day but didn’t adopt in the end because we couldn’t promise that the dog of their choice would not wee in the house. But even worse than all this is the news that the bank balance is, wait for it, ……….a meagre £13. Sarah and Paul realise that times are hard all round and don’t want to launch another campaign after the generous support for Alexa’s Christmas food appeal. Regardless of this, Jenny and I feel that we must make a plea to help Jasper. Jasper does not use his damaged leg, he never will now. It needs to be amputated and the sooner the better. There is infection in the wound (you can tell by the smell). This has improved with frequent cleaning with a medicated wash (which Jasper hates) and with antibiotics, but the antibiotics are upsetting Jasper’s system and causing him to wee in his bed which distresses him. The fee quoted for the operation to remove Jasper’s leg is £800. The coffers are empty. Jasper, and the other homeless dogs at Wiccaweys, need your help.
Can you do something, anything to help PLEASE? If you don’t have money to give, could you raise some? Maybe you could have a stall at a car boot, sell cakes at work…..
I urge you to try and help Jasper and Wiccaweys at this desperate time. Please don’t stand by and do nothing, leaving it to others. I am sure there is something that most of us on here can do if we really put our minds to it – not a big thing perhaps but don’t let that put you off. Lots of little things mount up and right now I think Sarah and Paul need to know that they are not alone and that people are behind them. Can we count on your support? Thank you, Liz"
Within hours, pledges of funds began coming in. Pauline and Eleanor had taken me for a night out at the cinema and I knew nothing about Liz's plea on the forum. When I arrived home I was gobsmacked to see an e-mail from Liz listing sums already promised to help Jasper. My tears of worry became tears of happiness knowing we could get Jasper sorted. Our hearts warmed with the knowledge we weren't alone. We have now been able to book Jasper in to the vets tomorrow for his pre op examination and the operation itself should happen next week.
We have been completely overwhelmed by the support we have received. A huge thank you to everyone for their incredible generosity.
The funding crisis extends beyond Jasper though, as we and other rescues across the country are hit by the credit crunch. Our tiny bank balance wouldn't have gone far with covering vet bills, rent, dog food, electricity etc so we hope people will continue to support us in caring for the numerous other dogs at Wiccaweys once Jasper is sorted. If you would like to help out please contact Liz who is co-ordinating this appeal at: lizclarke3@aol.com. Thank you.
23/10/08 UPDATE - Jasper's op is taking place on Monday - everyone keep fingers cross for him.
23/10/08 UPDATE - Jasper's op is taking place on Monday - everyone keep fingers cross for him.
