'A very special member of our family': Fundraiser set up to save beloved Kildare dog
Blaze the dog’s family have said that they are ‘struggling with the enormous financial cost of his treatment’
An online fundraiser has been set up to save a family’s beloved dog from County Kildare.
Taking to GoFundMe in an effort to save two-year-old Blaze, the page’s creator, Newbridge man Mark Pender, explained that Blaze is his daughter’s dog.
According to Mr Pender, Blaze is not only her beloved dog, but he is also ‘her best friend and a very special member of our family’.
“He also has a little brother, Malakai, who is waiting for his big brother to come home,” Mr Pender said.
‘FULL OF LIFE AND LOVE’
Mr Pender also revealed that just over a month ago, Blaze was a perfectly healthy dog, one who was ‘full of life and love’.
He elaborated: “Blaze needed an operation to remove a testicle that was located inside his abdomen, close to his bladder.
“We thought everything would be okay, but sadly, our nightmare began the very next day; Blaze started losing control of his bladder and leaking urine.”
Mr Pender continued by explaining that over the following weeks, Blaze’s health got worse: “He stopped eating and drinking, and we knew something was seriously wrong.”
Subsequent blood tests then revealed that Blaze’s kidney creatinine level had reached 500, which indicated severe kidney problems.
“Blaze is now in the veterinary hospital on an IV drip, receiving treatment, while we desperately hope his kidneys will recover,” Mr Pender added.
‘COSTS MAY CONTINUE TO RISE’
Mr Pender continued: “My daughter just wants her little best friend home, and little Malakai is waiting for his big brother Blaze to come back to him.
“Blaze should be at home playing, running around and enjoying his life with his family; instead, he's in hospital, seriously ill, and we're terrified of losing him.”
To add to his family’s dilemma, Mr Pender revealed that the veterinary bill for Blaze has reached €5,000, and that ‘the costs may continue to rise’.
Appealing to the generosity of the people of Kildare, Mr Pender said: “We would do absolutely anything to help Blaze, but we are struggling with the enormous financial cost of his treatment.
“We're asking from the bottom of our hearts, please, if you can spare even €1, €2 or €5, it would mean everything to us.
“Every donation will go towards Blaze's veterinary care and treatment.
“If you can't donate, please share his story, as every share gives us another chance to reach someone who may be able to help.”
Mr Pender concluded: “Little Malakai is waiting for his big brother, my daughter is waiting for her best friend, and we're praying that Blaze gets the chance to come home to them both.”
The fundraiser for Blaze has a campaign goal of €2,400.
Donations can be made here.