They said he was healthy. He’s not. And now I can’t walk away.

I rehomed Devon, a 6-year-old Labrador, on Monday through Pets4Homes. I was told he was in “perfect health.” I paid £300 and brought him into our home — with young kids and every intention of giving him the loving, active life Labs deserve.

But within days, Devon was in obvious pain. I rushed him to the emergency vet. After a long night there, the results were heartbreaking:

• Severe arthritis in multiple joints

• Cruciate ligament damage

• Subluxating patellae (dislocating kneecaps)

• Dangerously overweight

• Unvaccinated, and hasn’t seen a vet since he was 7 months old

He’s in daily pain, and the vets believe this has been going on for a long time. He hasn’t been cared for in the way that he deserves — but he’s still so gentle, trusting, and kind.

I’ve now spent close to £1000 in vet bills for initial assessments, pain relief, and follow-up. And the treatment is just beginning: X-rays, joint support, specialist consults… I can’t get insurance because it’s all pre-existing. I’m already at my limit.

Devon also needs neutering and vaccinating from scratch when he is well enough to do so.

Ironically — and heartbreakingly — I live with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a condition that causes joint damage, dislocations, and chronic pain. I know what Devon is feeling. I look at him, and I see a body struggling… but a heart still full of love and hope.

I am in talks with a wonderful Labrador Charity with the option to rehome through them for their ongoing support but myself and my family are so deeply in love with Devon that ideally we want him to stay in our family.

This is my last-ditch attempt to keep him. I want to give him the life his first owners denied him. But I can’t do it alone.

So far Devon is on plenty of pain medications, supplements and specialist diet to settle his stomach to progress onto longer term medication for the rest of his life. He is comfortable and still completely full of love.

We have a diet and exercise plan beginning and all the time in the world for him.

If you can help — with £5, £10, or even a share — it would mean everything. Devon’s journey shouldn’t end in pain. He’s finally safe. Let’s help him feel that in his bones.

If this doesn’t work, I will work with the charity to rehome Devon and pass any money beyond what we have spent to them for his recovery as all I want is the best for my beautiful boy.

With all my heart, thank you.