He’s become a firm favourite in recent months at a Lochaber care home.
But William the spaniel, who provides therapy for residents at Invernevis House in Fort William, will need plenty of looking after during the festive period before undergoing a major hip operation in the New Year.
Residents, staff and the community have managed to raise a staggering £8,000 to enable the five-year-old dog to have his operation in February.
But ongoing health issues means the animal needs to be kept infection free for at least a month beforehand.
Invernevis House manager Kit Cameron said: “William is a huge favourite with the residents here and puts a smile on everyone’s face. However, it hasn’t always been a life full of love for William.
“He was rescued from Cyprus by a family from Keith through the Give a Dog a Bone charity and was unable to find a suitable home before arriving here. William had a hard start to his life and this has resulted in one or two health issues since he arrived at Invernevis. It became apparent that he needed an operation on his hip, and we looked to the local community for help.
“The residents and staff have organised a race night and a sponsored walk along the West Highland Way in a bid to raise the money, and the community have been very generous.”
Mrs Cameron added: “We are going to take good care of William over the festive period.
“We have a lot of exciting activities planned for Christmas and William will play a big part in them. We will hopefully have him fighting fit in time for his operation.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the local community for their generous donations for William’s operation – we couldn’t have done it without their help. I would also like to thank Crown vet and Happi Dogs in Fort William for their continued support and sponsorship for William.
“William is a big part of our family here and we are all delighted that he is scheduled for his operation. We look forward to nursing him back to full health in the New Year.”
