SAVE CEDAR

Hi, I'm Astrid. I am desperately trying to raise funds to save this gorgeous pup, Cedar, to pay for medical procedures and treatments which will ultimately prevent him from being put to sleep at the young age of 9 months.

Cedar was one of four beautiful pups born to my cockapoo Luna on 7th July 2022. He was a special boy from birth as he is an identical twin, which is a rare thing in dogs! He is extremely laidback, loving, friendly and clever, being the first pup to learn to come back when out on walks! Due to the cost of living crisis hitting when the puppies were ready to leave the litter, Cedar stayed with me until he was nearly 5 months old, until he was sold in early December last year. I did my utmost best to choose a loving family for him, who would love and care for him as I had.

Unfortunately, this turned out not to be his forever home, and due to the owners being unable to continue to look after him, he was returned to me on Easter Monday. The Cedar who came home to me was not the lively, inquisitive, happy dog I sent out into the world. He is frightened of everything - people, dogs and every little noise. He has clearly not continued to be socialised as he should have, which has left him very nervous and wary of everyone and everything. His fur was extremely long, knotted and matted; and once I had my wonderful groomer come and give him a haircut, I could see just how underweight he is. His spine, ribs and hip bones are visible, and he is malnourished. After noticing some issues with his back legs, as well as being concerned about his weight, I took him to the vet to be checked over.

I am devastated to learn that as a result of a lack of exercise combined with malnourishment, that Cedar has underdeveloped muscles in both of his hind legs, which has caused his kneecaps to flatten and displace whenever he moves. This means that he is in constant chronic pain, and will need an operation on each of his back legs for there to be any chance of correcting this. The vet advised that Cedar's condition is grade 4 - meaning the most severe - and will likely also cause damage to his hips and cruciate ligaments. Cedar needs to see a specialist orthopaedic veterinary surgeon who will be able to determine the extent of the damage and treatment needed.

Whilst I am giving Cedar the love and care he needs, the reality is that he requires the expertise of specialists in this field if he is to have the life that he deserves. With a referral to a specialist surgeon, anaesthetics, xrays and scans, the extent of surgery required, medication and rehabilitation; the cost for all the treatment Cedar needs will run into thousands of pounds. Given his young age and the quality of life he would have without any treatment, the vet has advised me that the kindest thing to do would be to have Cedar put to sleep.

I cannot bear to think that one of my puppies - such a beautiful, loving, affectionate - and above all young - dog may have to lose his life at 9 months. He is now safe and loved at home with me, but I need help to be able to pay for the treatment Cedar needs - and ultimately to save his life.

Please could you help Cedar, by donating as much as you are able, and by sharing his story far and wide so that we can raise as much as possible to get Cedar happy and healthy again.

Thank you so much,

Astrid