Ralph - a puppy's plea for help

A stray puppy with a serious heart condition needs donations to help fund an operation which could save his life.

The puppy, an 8 month old, brindle and white staffie cross stray dog, was found wandering in Stanmer Park by animal welfare officers from Brighton & Hove City Council, who named him Ralph.

The officers suspect he was abandoned because his heart condition is expensive to treat, and would make him unsuitable for breeding,

A previous appeal managed to raise £1,000 but as the date of the operation draws near, the South Coast Staffie Rescue charity which is caring for Ralph, is hoping a further push may get them somewhere nearer to raising the £3,000 needed.

“He is such a sweet loving little chap but sadly he has a serious heart condition which compromises his quality of life and puts him at risk of heart failure if he becomes excited or overexerts himself,” said animal welfare officer Izzie Blanden

“A cardiologist vet has scanned his heart and recommends surgery which should alleviate his problems and extend his life, but this would cost in the region of £3,000.

“We would love to give Ralph the happy ending he deserves and are appealing to dog loving residents who may be able to contribute towards the cost of the surgery.”

If you can help, visit www.southcoaststaffierescue.org.uk and click on ‘Ralph - a special appeal.’