Kind-hearted Donegal couple start fundraiser for homeless dog found in poor health

A fundraiser has been set up to cover the veterinary bills of a homeless dog in poor health that was discovered on Saturday.

Benson, as he has since been christened, was found abandoned at the Dam in Illies, Buncrana, by Jodie Harkin and her husband Eamonn, who posted on ‘Lost and Found Dogs Buncrana’ in a bid to find the owner.

“After seeing posts for help my husband and I along with a member of the group were able to catch him on Saturday and found he had no microchip and no owner coming forward,” Jodie, from Quigley's Point, who is looking after Benson, says.

“Thinking he was just a lost dog we initially took the dog in until an owner was found with no intention of keeping him long term. But now, we will not be looking to rehome Benson, he has taken our hearts and made himself at home with us here. We already have three rescue dogs a chihuahua called Finn, a Pomeranian called Presley and an American Bulldog called Rico. Due to various issues, we saw with him over the weekend and not even knowing his age we took him to the vet on Monday.

“At the vet, he was deemed to be in very poor condition and is over 10 years old. He has cataracts in both eyes, an ear infection, a urine infection, worms, multiple broken teeth and gum issues plus signs of prostate cancer and heartbreakingly they believe the black burn on his back is from having boiling oil poured onto him.

“From his condition, we believe he’s been living rough a very long time, although we hadn’t intended on keeping him we do want to give him a chance for the rest of his days, however long that will be!! At the vet, he had antibiotics and painkillers, I’ve some more for today.

“This Wednesday he is back into the vet for the day for teeth, ears, nails and neutered to hopefully remove any possible cancer. He will also be microchipped, licensed and registered to us - we will still have to see if someone comes forward to claim ownership in the 28 days but the vet feels this is unlikely to happen due to his condition.

“After multiple messages from kind-hearted people on the Facebook group we decided to set up a GoFundMe (called ‘Benson’s Vet Bills - Found Illies Buncrana’) to help pay towards his vet's bills, at the moment it’s estimated as we are unsure until Wednesday what other health conditions he may need help with.

“It would be lovely to showcase the kindness shown by the people donating to support Benson. It’s so sad that he’s had an awful life so far; but he’s fought this long, let’s give him a chance to be healthy and happy with a safe home for the rest of his little life.”