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A fluffy German Shepherd puppy, wary of people, walks across a grassy garden with dog toys scattered nearby.

Could we give Buffy a chance at a pain-free life?

Buffy was just nine-weeks-old, born with a rare birth defect that was causing constant pain.

A fluffy, wary German Shepherd puppy stands on a surgery floor, a reminder of why Pets Matter.

Buffy was just like any other puppy

Sweet, playful, and full of curiosity. But she was also suffering from constant pain and irritated skin, caused by a rare birth defect.

Our vets felt that surgery was the best way to give this puppy a chance at a happy life. But, as with all surgeries, there were risks. We had to be certain it was right for Buffy.

Before we operated, we sent Buffy for an x-ray to confirm that her internal anatomy was all normal. This meant there was a strong chance that surgery could fully resolve her pain.

Buffy’s condition was so rare, that the surgery she needed had never been done before at Woodgreen.

It required a complex soft tissue reconstruction which would not only allow Buffy to urinate normally, but also cover her exposed sensitive skin to prevent the irritation she’d been experiencing.

It was a long, painstakingly intricate surgery. But we were determined to do everything we could to help Buffy enjoy a pain-free life…

A person sits on the floor comforting a wary German shepherd puppy wearing a plastic recovery collar as part of the Pets Matter initiative.

Buffy's surgery was a success

After surgery, Buffy went to stay with an experienced foster carer so she could recover in a comfy home environment.

Recovery wasn’t easy. Although the operation had been successful, Buffy struggled to adjust. Even for a puppy without complex needs, toilet training takes consistency and dedication. But for Buffy, who was still on the mend, it was even harder.

Thankfully, with careful monitoring and lots of encouragement and support, Buffy was soon getting the hang of it. Before long, she was no different to any other young puppy.

With Buffy now acting like the happy, bouncy puppy she was always supposed to be, we knew she was ready for a fresh start in a new home.

During filming of The Dog House, we introduced Buffy to Shareen, Mark and their German Shepherd, Missy. Buffy’s charm proved impossible to resist and she soon completed their family.

Without surgery, Buffy was destined for a life of pain. But thanks to Woodgreen, she is now thriving in her new home. Buffy’s story is just one example of how your support helps countless pets in need.

"Buffy is such a character, and we are all totally in love with her! Buffy and Missy totally love each other. They love to play fight and play tuggy together!"

Shareen and Mark, Buffy's owners
A vet in green scrubs monitors a wounded and wary puppy anaesthetised on an examination table.

Buffy's story has a happy ending

Thanks to the knowledge and expertise of our veterinary team, and your generous support, we were able to help Buffy when no one else could.

£

£45 could go towards the cost of a full veterinary check up for vulnerable pets like Buffy.

£

£10 a month could go towards a self-heating blanket for sick and vulnerable pet.

Woodgreen Pets Charity is a registered charity (no. 298348)

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