Paralysed puppy taken for walkies for first time after £7,000 is raised for wheelchair
A paralysed puppy was finally able to go for walkies after £7,000 was raised to buy her a wheelchair.
Pumpkin the West Highland terrier was born paralysed in her two hind legs, and could only move by dragging her body forward, using her front paws.
Foster mum Tammie Fox, 41, decided to start a fundraiser for treatment and raised £5,000 in just five days.
The total has since risen to more than £7,000.
Pumpkin is now happily wheeling around, finally about to run and go for walkies, after Tammie bought the wheelchair from disabled dog charity Winston's Wheels.
Read more: Dogs bought in lockdown ‘disguised as strays’ and abandoned at rescue centres
Tammie, from Lincoln, said: "I'm totally overwhelmed.
"It still doesn't seem real. I only ever thought that people who knew me would donate.
"I'm absolutely blown away by people's generosity."
A breeder surrendered Pumpkin to charity Breeds in Need and Tammie took in the dog, aged 10 weeks.
She's fallen in love with the puppy and plans to adopt her formally.
Nail technician Tammie added: "When I first met Pumpkin nine days ago, I was an absolute emotional wreck.
"It broke my heart to see her with these disabilities and unable to walk.
"I fell in love with her instantly, and so did my husband Richard and our kids, Maddison-Belle, ten, and Ziggy, four.
"Even Smiggle the dog loved her."
Read more: Police hunt motorists who killed dog by throwing it from vehicle 'at 60mph'
Tammie said: "Pumpkin is a proper character, full of personality and she just loves cuddles.
"We both decided we wanted to adopt her permanently the day we got her, it was love at first sight.
"We know we can give her the love and care she needs - I'll sell my car if I need to."
Pumpkin will visit a specialist vet in Surrey for an appointment and MRI scan next week.
Future treatment is expected to cost up to £3,000 plus travel costs.
Watch: Dog and cat donate blood to help pets in need
