Loving owners Dee and Dave Manser say they recently received the “devastating” news that their beloved pet border collie, Mick, is suffering from potentially fatal congestive heart disease.
Saying that they’ve already “maxed” their credit cards and put their life savings into trying to fund specialised heart surgery for Mick in France where veterinary doctors are prepared to perform the complex procedure. The couple say they adopted Mick from his previous owners who were elderly and had developed Alzheimer’s disease and were no longer able to care for him.
Early this year, they say they learned of Mick’s heart condition and are desperate to do all they can to save their pet who they say means the world to them.
The couple said that Dave’s mother lost her fight against Alzheimer’s after suffering with the disease for 14 years and that during a six week period they lost their baby girl, Lisa Eileen, during birth.
Only two weeks after losing little Lisa Eileen, Dave’s dad lost his life to lung cancer.
The family say this left them “reeling” with grief and that their four-legged-friend Mick was there for them throughout this “horrendous time” helping them to mend their “shattered hearts”.
Dave and Dee say they want to heal Mick’s heart by bringing him to France for specialised open mitral valve replacement surgery in hopes of saving his life and have organised a fundraiser in hopes of gathering enough money to make this possible.
They say that although the surgery costs are high, they want to do whatever they can to help keep Mick by their side.
It is estimated that the cost of procuring the specialised surgery as well as travel, accommodation, and after care will amount to just under €40,000 after an initial 20,000 fundraising goal.
So far just over €11,700 of the €39,215 goal has been raised on gofundme
“We travel to France Weds 21st, so we’re running out of time to scrape up the extra we need. After careful deliberation, we’ve decided to increase the target for the campaign. At this stage, we need all the help we can get.” they said adding, “Even with the campaign, our life savings, and maxed credit cards, we’re still a good way short.”
Dave and Dee say they are “hugely grateful” to everyone who’s donated so far and that donor support “is genuinely helping to save a beautiful soul.”
The couple expressed their gratitude to vet Dr. Jeannie McInerney who they say has been their “absolute rock” through this time.