Our dog needs help to see


29 December 2007 07:00

Partially-sighted terrier Biscuit has already been given a new home thanks to a generous reader of the Evening News, but now the lovable dog needs your help once more.

The four-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and her side-kick Jerry, who acts as her sight dog, recently captured the hearts of the nation when their homeless plight was featured on national television.

The pair appeared on Channel Four's The Paul O Grady Show after their previous owners were forced to give them up or face eviction.

Prior to this, the Evening News told their story, which prompted retired couple, Josephine and John Bramley to take them in.

Biscuit suffers from cataracts and her new owners have been told these can be permanently removed if they can raise £2,500.

Marion Roberts, chairwoman of RSPCA Norwich, who is in charge of fundraising for Biscuit, said: “She would enjoy life so much more. It would be a total transformation but we are very much overspent on our annual budget.

“There is no possibility that we could spend this amount on just one animal as we have to help hundreds.”

Biscuit and Jerry, a five-year-old Jack Russell terrier, were re-homed together in October. Biscuit uses her senses to follow Jerry around.

Mrs Bramley, 68, from Wilberforce Road, Earlham, said: “They've settled in as if they've been here since they were born.

“Having them here has really opened up my life again. Biscuit is no problem at all and the little one looks out for her but she will run in to things every now and then.

“Obviously I can't move my furniture about because she would run into it so to be able to see would help her a lot.

“She's lovely and has no aggression in her at all.”

Mr Bramley, 70, added: “We're very lucky to have them and they're no trouble. I think the operation would change her life because she's not used to seeing but I think it can only be to her benefit.”

A cataract in a dog is the same as in a human and is a clouding of the lens inside the eye.

The operation is notoriously expensive and involves trained specialists and equipment.

Success rates are high and vary from 85pc to 90pc and the cataracts cannot reform.

For more information and to donate towards the fund contact RSPCA Norwich on 01603 766001, between 9am and 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Are you or someone you know raising money for a special cause? Contact reporter Rebecca Gough on 01603 772428 or email rebecca.gough@archant.co.uk.

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