A rottweiler dog given a life-saving operation after a fundraising appeal by a regional paper three years ago has gone to the great kennel in the sky.

The Lincolnshire Echo first reported in 2007 on the plight of Bertie, who needed a £3,000 hip operation to save his life.

After the story was published, the newspaper was inundated with donations from readers, enabling the hound to have the crucial surgery.

But just three years on, Bertie was put to sleep at the a dog rescue centre near Lincoln after developing Wobblers disease – a spinal condition which meant his front legs kept collapsing.

Lincolnshire Echo editor Jon Grubb said: “I was saddened to hear about Bertie’s death, but I am pleased that the operation he had three years ago improved his life so much.

“He was greatly loved by the people at the dog rescue centre and I’m glad money raised by Echo readers gave him the chance to be happy there.

“We were all surprised by the response to Bertie’s story. He really caught the hearts of people in the county.”

Valerie Hosegood, the owner of Halfway Home Dog Rescue, said no one could have predicted Bertie would develop Wobblers disease when he underwent his hip operation.

She said: “After the hip surgery, he was so happy and full of life again, it definitely improved his quality of life and gave him three years he wouldn’t have had.”

Comments

Barking Mad (26/07/2010 10:42:35)
Is this story a joke?

Doggone it (26/07/2010 12:10:43)
Woof justice !