AddThis SmartLayers

US naval commander responds to regional daily’s dog appeal

MiloAn American naval commander was among those to respond to a regional daily’s appeal to help a stricken dog on its patch.

The Greenock Telegraph sought help for reader Paddy Trueman, who was delayed from going into hospital for urgent medical treatment because he had no one to take his Staffordshire bull terrier Milo, pictured left.

As a result, dozens of people came forward including Judith Smart, a trauma nurse with the rank of lieutenant commander in the United States Navy.

Judith, who was born in Greenock but moved to the USA when still a teenager, offered to fund any bed, board or vet bills incurred to allow the 69-year-old pensioner to seek treatment.

A little closer to home Suzanne Bennion, owner of a dog daycare centre in Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, offered to look after Milo so Mr Trueman could make his appointment.

Telegraph editor Brian Hossack says everyone at the newspaper had been blown away by the public’s response to the appeal.

He said: “We were all moved by how people united. When Paddy came into our office and explained his plight, we knew we had to help.

“In a time of crisis, this paper’s readers can always be relied upon to pull together and help, but the response to Paddy’s story was incredible and has surprised even us.

“We had offers of money, board, food, you name it. One girl even offered to go and stay in the caravan where Paddy lives and look after Milo until he gets out of hospital.

“On behalf of everyone at the paper, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the people of Inverclyde.”