10-04-2008 - Bods Plight for Sight

Bods plight for sight.

Around 2 mnths ago Greyhound Gap took two dogs into their care from the local stray pound who were picked up roaming together. Bod & Cookie.

The call came to say that a little blind lurcher later named Bod and his companion Cookie the staffi x something were inseperable and that Bod relied on his friend to help him get around. How could we say no?

Soon after landing in our care it became quite apparent that little Bod was more than capable of looking after himself and had somewhat of a dominant hold over poor Cookie who tried his best to passify his friend.

It was decided to find them foster homes seperatly and Jen a volunteer took and later adopted Cookie whilst Trish another volunteer offered to foster Bod.

At first we were worried that there was more to Bods problems than just his sight. He was so thin it was frightening and his liver enzyme levels were through the roof. With good food and tlc this rectified and we could then head forward to find out what was going on with Bods eyes.

Bod has severe cataracts BUT it has been found that behind them the retina seems to be fully functioning therefore an operation to remove the cataracts should restore his sight. Sounds simple enough? It is BUT its a very costly and specialist operation. We need to use a specialist eye clinic in Leominster and will treat both cataracts at once.

Bod needs to have both eyes cut and a solution put in to disolve the cataracts, once that is done a vacum type piece of equiptment will be used to remove the broken down cataract before finally a false lense is placed into each eye and the eye re stitched.

The cost for both eyes is estimated to be in and around the region of £2500.

Thanks to the generosity received so far we have managed to raise around £1500 of the cost. Sighthound Welfare Trust http://www.sighthoundwelfaretrust.org.uk held an online auction raising £ 1140.50 for which we cant thank them enough. A member of Greyhound Gap Laura Elricc has been making fabulous collars and selling them throughout March on Bods behalf and donations from others have taken us thus far up to this mark.

However, Leominster eye hospital telephoned today and Bod has his initial consult next Tuesday and if all goes well is pencilled in for Wednesday 14th May for the scheduled operation.

This means we now have only around 4 weeks to raise the outstanding amount.

If you feel you could help to donate towards the costs of Bods operation we would be more than greatful or if you feel you can hold a car boot sale, one of fundraiser anything is much appreciated.

Donations can be made via paypal to treasurer@greyhoundgap.com or via cheque made payable to Greyhound Gap and sent to The Treasurer, 1 Thatched Cottage, Camp Road, Wimbledon Common, London, SW19 4UR.

The thermometer below will be updated weekly between now and the operation date.

THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF GREYHOUND GAP AND BOD IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP OFFERED.

Please note if you are a taxpayer and make a donation to Greyhound Gap on behalf of Bod or at any other time we are eligable to claim Gift Aid as a registered charity.

Please use the link below to download a gift aid form for printing, completion and returning with any donation made.

http://greyhoundgap.fileave.com/Gift_Aid_Form.pdf

THANK YOU.

Update 14th April 2008. On Sunday 13th April Gap volunteers held a fundraising car boot and managed to raise £102.43 plus a donation made by someone very kindly of £25 puts Bods appeal up now to £1647 raised.

Update 25th April 2008. Thank you so much. Thank you to some wonderful people this week Greyhound Gap have received £270 in individual donations for Bods operation, one kind lady even sent her Birthday money. We cannot thank you enough.

The total raised now stands at £1917. We arnt there yet but have another three weeks to meet the total.

We are also holding a Name The Toys on Behalf of Bod on the forum you can see it following this link...

http://greyhoundgap.proboards35.com/index.cgi?board=games&action=display&thread=33554

I *think* I worked out 240 names so once this is full that will be another £240 to the cost of the operation raised.

Once again thank you for your support.