Whakaari Eruption Survivor's Dog 'River' In Need of Surgery
'River' the rescue dog and Whakaari/White Island survivor's beloved companion needs surgery to repair his cruciate ligament.
Bay of Plenty
River is a rescue dog, adopted by Whakaari/White Island eruption survivor Kelsey Waghorn two years ago. He has played a huge part in her recovery as an emotional support companion and constant source of unconditional love and comfort during the past very difficult year of her ongoing recovery.
He has the most beautiful, gentle nature and is a surprisingly impressive herding/working dog too - showing the actual farm dogs how its done on a daily basis! It is suspected that he may in fact be a Collie/St Bernard cross and is only two and a half years old.
River has unfortunately injured himself and is in need of a 'cruciate ligament repair' in his right hind leg and will undergo surgery on Thursday 14th January. He will then spend up to six weeks confined to a crate followed by months of Hydrotherapy and Bowen therapies, plus most likely a future surgery on his left rear leg. It's looking like costing around $4000.
Due to Kelsey being unable to work since the eruption and for at least the next 12 months along with ongoing surgeries and therapies herself, the costs of River's surgery and ongoing treatments are a cost and a stress she could really do without right now.
Please help this incredible dog and his beautiful, brave 'mum' out if you can.
Holly Waghorn's involvement (page creator)
I am Kelsey's sister and River's biggest fan.
Use of funds
This money will be used to pay for the surgery and any associated therapies that River may need in the future. Whatever is excess will be donated to Freedom & Harmony Dog Rescue to help rescue dogs like River get rehabilitated and find forever homes.
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Latest update
River is Out of Surgery 14 January 2021
The vet confirmed that he managed to partially tear the cruciate ligament in his right hind leg. What was he doing? Nothing. He went to run from a walk - yelped, and hasn’t put that leg down since. We’re guessing he’s done something to weaken it, and it just gave up.
My best mate has been the best therapy a girl could ask for the last 13-months, and I am absolutely devastated this has happened to my kind-eyed, potato dog.
He’s going to be on crate rest for at least the next 4-weeks, and then I want to get him into hydrotherapy over in Te Puke to start building up the little hippos fitness and muscle mass. I’ve also booked him in to have some Bowen therapy treatments in a couple of weeks - because at this point, I just want my wiggly dog back, and I will do whatever I can to speed-up his recovery.
My sister (his aunty 🙄) has set up this Givealittle for him to help cover his surgical costs (~$2,000), and to help get him into hydro and Bowen therapies. Excess funds that aren’t needed for River will be “on-donated” to the lovely Tammie at Freedom & Harmony - the saint of a woman who taught River and Jess some manners last year, and who rescues dogs, rehabilitates them, and finds them wonderful forever homes.
A huge thank you to everyone who has already offered advice, sent their love and prayers, and of course already donated to the Givealittle page.
I’ll keep you all updated on his/our recovery soon 🤍
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