A battling pug puppy from Lincoln needs £3,000 in donations for operations that will save its life.
Reggie is around 8 weeks old and stays at Breeds in Need Animal Rescue, a foster care facility for animals based in Lincoln, but his story has been a troubled one.
Ever since he was born, Reggie has been fighting for his life. He was unable to feed off his mum due to a complete cleft palate, and was born with a misshapen head.
This led to him being sent into rescue at just one day old, with his brother Ronnie.
Reggie came to the rescue centre with his brother Ronnie at just one day old. Photo: Sally Turzanski
Reggie has had to be hand reared and tube fed hourly by his foster mum at the rescue.
He continues to battle regular chest infections, as well as coping with a hiatal hernia, which is when the abdominal organs spill into the chest area.
“This boy is a fighter and has defied all odds”. Photo: Sally Turzanski
When consulting a specialist about Reggie’s condition, vets told Breeds In Need that there were two options: either put him to sleep, or pay thousands for a specialist vet.
Sally Turzanski works with the animal rescue and has been heavily involved in trying to get Reggie the help he needs.
“He’s so cheeky and mischievous”. Photo: Sally Turzanski
Sally told The Lincolnite she will continue to fight for Reggie’s chance of life: “Just because they are rescue dogs, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve the best.
“Some vets have told us to put them [Ronnie and Reggie] to sleep as they will cost the rescue too much money, but that isn’t an option.”
“He loves to play with his brother Ronnie.” Photo: Sally Turzanski
Despite his difficulties with health, Reggie is still a happy-go-lucky dog that loves life.
“This boy is a fighter and has defied all odds despite his survival chance being very low from the day he was born.
“He loves life and we will keep fighting with him as long as he keeps telling us that he has the will to live.
“He is happy and not in any pain, he just has additional needs that need to be taken care of.”
Reggie often suffers with lethargic episodes where he doesn’t want to eat or play. Photo: Sally Turzanski
The rescue centre have organised a fundraiser to pay for the operations that will save his life, with his cleft palate repair costing £3,000.
These are desperate times for Breeds In Need, who are reliant on public support to carry on going.
Sally said: “We couldn’t continue without the financial support of the public and have been so worried how we will fundraise for the pups, especially after COVID-19.”
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Lincolnshire’s healthcare is preparing for winter with projects like acute respiratory hubs to address the expected surge in demand at this time of the year.
Rebecca Neno, Winter Director for the Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, stressed the significance of these hubs for local respiratory care, addressing the NHS’s recurrent winter challenges. The Clinical Assessment Service, via the 111 helpline, swiftly connects Lincolnshire callers to local clinicians for home assessments.
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