AN AYRSHIRE dog trainer and behaviourist has launched a fundraiser in a bid to save the life of his own remarkable pet pooch.
Craig Avery will be well known to many as the owner and founder of Scottish Dog Behaviourist - a company which has provided support to hundreds of owners across the country since its inception last year.
And after helping so many, Craig is now in need of support himself - for his wonderful furry companion Khaleesi.
Khaleesi is a quite remarkable dog who was first found in 2019 by Craig's fellow dog trainers Jo-Rosie Haffenden and Nando Brown.
She had been abandoned outside a café in Spain, injured and dumped for 48 hours before the pair came across her.
They decided the rescue Khaleesi, and following a visit to a vet specialist discovered that her injuries were beyond repair.
Her mobility worsened over the years, and she requires constant medication, but she was kept as comfortable and happy as possible under Jo-Rosie and Nando's care.
Craig entered Khaleesi's life in June of 2023 when he had the opportunity to house sit and do light training with Jo-Rosie's dogs while she came to the UK for work.
He explained: "I bonded with all the dogs from day one, but Khaleesi was the one I fell for most, her unbreakable spirit, even after what she had endured in her past, was heart-warming.
"As anyone who’s met her will attest to, Khaleesi has a way of making you feel as if you’re the centre of her universe the moment she looks at you, as if you were the one that she's been waiting for.
"When I, in a light-hearted manner, mentioned to Jo-Rosie that if Khaleesi ever needed a new home that she should look no further than me - it was a promise I was fully prepared to keep not thinking this would ever happen."
In September that very same year, exactly that did happen, and Khaleesi moved to Scotland and was adopted by Craig.
She has lived a loving and happy life ever since, until an issue occurred with one of her already damaged legs.
Craig explained: "Last week her already twisted leg finally gave out, and she could no longer bear her weight.
"We rushed her to the vet and the heart-breaking and tearful discussions over the bank holiday weekend made me fear we were going to lose her.
"But then, a glimmer of hope emerged. The team at Broadlays Veterinary Hospital believe they can save her leg, remove her daily pain, and even give her a better quality of life than she had before."
However, this surgery is expensive and is not covered by Khaleesi's insurance.
That is why Craig has now launched a GoFundMe page "humbly asking for help".
He commented: "Every contribution brings us one step closer to giving her the pain-free, joyful life she deserves.
"Your generosity can make all the difference in the world for this sweet, loving dog who has already been through so much."
A goal of raising £6,000 has been set for the fundraiser, which has already generated donations of over £4,000.
Those wishing to make a donation, or find out more, can find Craig's fundraiser at tinyurl.com/KhaleesiSurgery.
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