Spiralling vet bills left one family facing an agonising choice until a text changed everything

Deanne Peacock and her husband Sam had always dreamed of welcoming a dog into their home.

That moment finally came in March 2020 when they found Ted, an 11-month-old Golden Retriever from a local breeder in Cambridgeshire.

The couple instantly fell in love with his playful nature and gentle temperament, knowing he would be the perfect addition to their family.

They were also pleased to learn they were giving Ted a second chance after his first owners had returned him, having quickly realised dog ownership wasn't right for them.

And the timing turned out to be just right.

“We’d only had him for two weeks and then the country went into lockdown,” recalls Deanne, 34.

“But Ted really helped us during that time. He always gave us something to focus on. He was so good with the kids. It was all perfect.”

Then, two years ago, everything changed. It started when Ted suddenly started gnawing at his paw, and within days his skin erupted into an oozing rash that spread from his neck upwards.

Ted was rushed to the vet, where he was shaved, and he was prescribed antibiotics, steroids and ointments for severe dermatitis.

Deanne was then dealt a further blow. Despite her paying nearly £50 a month for pet insurance, Ted’s treatment wasn’t covered and she was suddenly facing more than £2,000 in vet bills.

“It was September, and I had to use all the savings I’d put aside for Christmas,” Deanne says. “But the treatment still wasn’t working.”

Ted then developed an ear infection, leading to further vet appointments and expensive medication. With no answers and more costly bills ahead, Deanne felt she was out of options.

“I sat down with Sam and said, ‘I just can’t afford it anymore. I’ve got nothing left. Ted needs to go somewhere that can