Blind dog may be able to see again if Emsworth couple can raise funds for life-changing surgery

Nine-year-old Shih Tzu Toby was rescued in a ‘terrible state’ by Sharon and Martin Wotherspoon in December after his owner passed away, and they found he has a host of health problems including being blind.

The Emsworth couple, who have been taking in foster dogs for five years with their organisation Molly’s Sanctuary, drove up to Staffordshire to collect him and take care of him.

Sharon, 43, said: ‘He was in a worse state, he was quite underweight, his skin was appalling.

‘He had to go through a nicotine withdrawal because his owner was a chain smoker.’

After taking him for a vet checkup, they were given the news that Toby may be able to see if he has an operation with Optivet in Havant, so have kickstarted a campaign to raise the £4,000 they will need.

‘He’s only been with us a short time but he’s already been through so much,’ said Sharon, who has eight pet dogs.

‘He’s just a little trooper, he’s my little shadow wherever I go. It would be amazing to be able to give him what every other dog has got.

‘He’ll be able to run around, he can’t join in with the dogs playing because he can’t see them.’

This is the first time the dog-loving pair have fundraised, they usually pay for all vets bills, food and other pet items out of their own pocket.

Charity shop manager Sharon said: ‘I have always loved dogs, I have grown up around dogs.

‘Martin wasn’t a dog person but he fell in love with the two shih tzus that we got.

‘We got a message five years ago that there was a Jack Russell who needed rehoming. It just snowballed from there.’

In the past five years, they have looked after 35 dogs and Sharon keeps in touch with most of the new owners.

She said: ‘We travel all over, if a dog needs us we will be there. It’s hard work but it’s so rewarding.’

To donate towards Toby’s surgery, visit facebook.com/donate/224752138654712.