Help Maddie to run run run!

Woof woof.. hello everypawdy!

My name is Maddie and I’m a 18 month old gorgeous bundle of loveliness. You humans call me a Labrador, but I like my version better!

I am a rescue pup and I met my new Mummy in December 2021 after 3 previous peoples decided they didn’t want me. I don’t know why because I’m desperate to be everyone’s friend. Mummy says I'm the most loveable girl ever and I need never worry about it happening again ‘cos she will never ever part with me. That means I have found my forever home where I am loved very very much, so that makes me a really really lucky girl!

Not long after I went to live in my new home, Mummy noticed that my back legs didn’t work the way she would expect them to work. I also have a curve to my spine and my front paws turn in which shouldn’t happen. No matter how hard I try, they just won’t do what they should do so they are very naughty paws indeed. I’m really desperate to play with all my new pals and run around with them, but I have to be kept on a lead and I’m only allowed short walks which makes me and Mummy very sad.

I was taken to the vets and they said I have something called hip dysplasia, which is not nice at all!

I was bought lots of healthy supplements, some special steps for home so I don’t jump on our sofa and a ramp for Mummy’s car. I have been going to hydrotherapy, which is hard but fun. I’d love to be able to do big swims like all the other doggies, but my naughty hips won’t let me.

My vet said I had to go to see a surgeon at a referral centre (whatever that is) in a place called Guildford in Surrey. That’s a long drive from our house, but I was a really good girl for my Mummy because I knew she was worried about me.

The Surgeon vet man is ever so nice and he took lots of photos of me. Mum said they were X-rays and a CT scan. I think he took photos because I am beautiful! He said I am “bright and alert”. Mummy said that means I know where to find the hidden treats!

The good news is that I do not have elbow dysplasia, but the bad news is I have very severe hip dysplasia on both sides. This has also been affecting my elbows and my spine, and it also means I am in lots and lots of pain all day, every day. I do still try to keep Mummy on her toes though. You have to do this for your humans so they don’t get bored!

Mr Surgeon at the referral centre said I have to have 2 new hips to make me bionic. I wonder if that means I’m allowed more treats and cuddles all day every day too.

But if I don’t have new hips, I won’t be able to run and play with my new pals, and things will get even worse for me quite soon. This has made Mummy really sad and when she is sad, then I’m sad too. She has spent all her money on helping me out with my hydrotherapy, my vets appointments and all of the special equipment I have to have at home to make things easier for me.

Can I tell you a bit about my wonderful Mummy please? Mum has only ever had rescue dogs and given them their best lives. I know she wants to do the same for me.

She does lots for our community and is an area coordinator for The Missing Paw Team UK.

This means that she helps to find lost and stolen dogs. She loves doing that but sometimes it can be very sad, so I have to give her extra cuddles and lick away her tears. I told you all I was a good girl!

Vicki from Missing Paw Team said:

“Toni has been our New Eltham coordinator since we established ourselves as a volunteer organisation in 2018. She spends her time advising owners of missing dogs and emotionally supporting them while trying to recover the dogs safely.

This requires patience, kindness and sharp interpersonal skills which Toni has. She is immediately able to put herself in the owner’s shoes and show empathy. She is invaluable to us.

I was with Toni when her previous dog, Daisy who was her whole life, passed away and it was gut wrenching to watch her be so heartbroken. I didn’t think she would recover until I saw her with Maddie. They fell in love instantly and Maddie has helped to heal Toni. They are soul mates.

We really want to help support her and Maddie through this difficult time and show her the same dedication & love that she has shown us over the years. Maddie is a fantastic dog and deserves this chance to be able to lead a normal life with Toni who loves her dearly. They both deserve happiness

My whole team are behind this campaign and we will do all we can to support them

Vicki Hudson - Director - The Missing Paw Team UK”

Mummy has worked for voluntary organisations for over 20 years and helped children with disabilities, individuals fleeing domestic violence and elderly people who are isolated and I’m so proud of her I could burst.

She never asks for help, but this time we both need your help so I can get my new hips and live my fullest life. Mum really has tried everything she can to help me, but the only thing that can help now is to have my hip replacements and then hydrotherapy and physio-therapy to make me strong and pain free for the first time EVER.

Mr Vet wrote a report which says I have got “bilateral hip luxation due to severe hip dysplasia and secondary osteoarthritis.”

He said “bilateral hip replacement surgery is the best option for a return to as normal function as possible”.

My X-Ray photo is here so you can see what Mr Vet means.

I have had to have my first hip replacement surgery and this was done on the 24th May. The surgeon said that my operation went as well as can be expected, now I have to recover before they do my next hip. I will be assessed in 6 weeks.

The estimate my Mummy has been given for both hips replacement surgeries £17,000. There is also an estimated cost for physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and medication depending on how long I need of £2000.

We do have insurance which Mummy thought would bring the overall cost down by £7000, but they will not pre-approve the claim. They will also not confirm they will settle the claim as it will need to be investigated. It is very stressful for my Mummy.

The Rescue Charity where I came from haven’t been very supportive. My Mummy contacted them as soon as she saw I had problems.

Once I got the full diagnosis and Mr Vet said I need 2 new hips, the Rescue Charity said they would not contribute towards my surgeries.

Please would you help Mummy to raise the money towards my two new hips and my aftercare? We will be so grateful. I’m still very young and lively and it is so hard not to be able to walk far, run and play like the other dogs. I also hurt lots and it would be great to be able to go for a walk without hurting. Even a little will help.

We have another problem as Mum has recently been made redundant.

Mummy says she will update regularly with my progress from my surgery on my first hip, any news from the insurance company and from the Rescue

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

You can also follow my progress on my

Facebook page Maddie Labrador Rushton and my

Instagram Maddie_Rescue_Rushton