Words by Smiley Team
Showing love for our furry friends this Valentine’s Day, charity vet The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) is celebrating their work caring for over 30,000 pets suffering from heart disease. People with pets in need can turn to the charity when their animal companion shows signs of this life-threatening condition.
Among the pets helped by PDSA is Alfie (pictured), a spaniel from South London, whose ticker is still ticking happily away thanks to the organisation’s support. In 2018 the little dog was diagnosed with heart disease and, unable to afford the lifelong medication he needed, his concerned owners turned to the charity for help.
Alfie’s owner, Jacky Webb, said: “Alfie has been a rock for us over the last year. I care for my disabled brother Jeffrey, who is severely autistic and blind, and Alfie has helped us both through these very challenging times. The amazing team at New Cross PDSA Pet Hospital have ensured his pills were delivered throughout the lockdowns. And to know that the cost of all of his essential medication this year is covered by players of People’s Postcode Lottery is wonderful – we’re so thankful for their support!”
Launched over 100 years ago, PDSA helps deprived people care for their pets while they are facing financially-difficult circumstances. The charity serves people on benefits living who live near to one of their pet hospitals by offering their pets free or low-cost medications and treatments. Much of their work is dependent on donations and support from organisations such as the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Lynne James, a vet with PDSA, said: “Every year PDSA provides long-term medication and ongoing care for tens of thousands of much-loved pets like Alfie, who sadly are suffering from various types of heart disease. This year we’ve had an extra boost thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who are supporting the cost of this life-saving medication for our pet patients eligible for free treatment.”
Hazel Johnstone from the charities team at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that our pets hold a hugely special place in our hearts – they’ve been there for us through all the challenges of the pandemic, made us laugh even during the darkest times and, for many, they are the reason to keep getting out of bed in the morning. So to know the support of our players is helping provide peace of mind for those owners whose pets suffer from life-long conditions such as heart disease is wonderful.”
If you’d like to support animals in need through PDSA’s work, the best way you can help is by making a donation. With the choice between making a one-off or monthly donation, you could help the charity to care for 430,000 sick and injured pets a year.
