Please help with the vet bill after saying goodbye to Bruno

*** Update ***

It's Liz here (Claire's partner). Sadly we came to the end of the road with treatment options and Bruno was just too ill. We had to let Bruno go on Wednesday evening - he went to sleep forever in Claire and Alfie's arms. It was absolutely heartbreaking.

Now, whilst processing his loss, the vet bills still need paying.

Please help if you can - any donation no matter how small will help to relieve the worry whilst they grieve.

Thank you x

Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

I’m reaching out today as the mother of an incredible 16-year-old boy, Alfie, and his loyal, loving emotional support dog, Bruno. Our journey together is one of resilience, hope, and the healing bond between a boy and his dog—something I never imagined would mean so much to our lives.

Bruno didn’t have the easiest start in life. He was born a stray on the streets of Spain, vulnerable and alone. From the moment we adopted him, he became so much more than a pet—he became family. For Alfie, who has Asperger’s and battles anxiety and depression daily, Bruno has been a lifeline, offering a calm and comfort that nothing else can provide. Their bond is extraordinary, and it's something for which I am deeply, deeply grateful.

Bruno has given Alfie a sense of stability and peace in a world that often feels overwhelming for him. With Bruno by his side, Alfie has found courage, strength, and joy. I cannot describe how much that has meant to us. But now, Bruno is facing his own battle, and we are heartbroken.

Just a week ago, Bruno suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the veterinary hospital in critical condition. He needed an emergency blood transfusion and has since endured three more. His body is struggling to produce the red blood cells and platelets necessary to survive. After several days of tests and uncertainty, we received devastating news: Bruno has a bone marrow disease. His body may never be able to repair itself, and Bruno is fighting for his life.

The vets have given us just a few more days to see if his body can respond to the treatments, and right now, we are holding onto hope with everything we have. But the financial toll has been crushing. Bruno’s medical bills have already surpassed £10,000—an amount far beyond what our insurance covers. As a single parent working part-time to care for Alfie and his needs, this is a financial burden I cannot carry alone.

I never thought I’d have to ask for help in this way, but for Bruno and Alfie, I have to try. Any donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards Bruno’s treatment and give him the fighting chance he deserves. If you can’t donate, sharing Bruno’s story will mean the world to us.

Bruno isn’t just a dog. He’s Alfie’s source of strength, joy, and unconditional love—the one constant in his life. Losing Bruno would be like losing a piece of Alfie’s heart.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, your support, and your positive vibes. Your generosity will help Bruno keep fighting and allow Alfie to continue finding hope and healing in his loyal companion.

With gratitude and hope,

Claire- Alfie’s Mum x