Hi , I'm Sarah also known as Sally and 2 and a half years ago I became Keeta's guardian when her beloved dad Richard was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given 2 months to live. Rich was my ex partner from 24 years ago and remained a dear friend.

His only concern when he knew he was dying was for his soul dog Keeta whom he always called the wonderdog and his younger dog Peanut.

He had rescued Keeta from being pts when she was found running loose next to a canal, her owner it transpired had drowned and she'd been running loose for 2 weeks before Richs best friend managed to catch her. Rich was in a very bad way with his mental health at the time and his friend knew knew this and told him he had to take the dog or the dog warden warned she'd be pts she was around 18 months old, they saved each others lives quite literally. The name on her chip was Nikita and Rich wanted to change it so he rang me and we talked about it and I said hey what about Keeta? And he loved it. She was his constant companion for 9 long years and they were besotted with each other. Akitas are an extremely loyal breed who bond massively to their humans and they were inseparable.

I promised Rich that I would take Keeta and love and care for her and she has become my world. This dog is like no other, she is an absolute angel and I have been truly blessed to be able to call her my girl.

Last week I found a hard mass in her mammary area and took her straight to the vet, a needle aspiration proved inconclusive which led us to having an xray of her lungs which are clear of any cancer and a surgery today (March 19th) to remove the mass and some surrounding tissue. She's just woken up as I write this.

I have been disabled and unable to work for 7 years now and have to rely on benefits and Richs mum promised to fund Keetas living expenses when I took her but as a pensioner she simply cannot cover the cost of this surgery so I am asking any of you who either knew Rich and Keeta or me or who have read this and it's touched your hearts to please help me with the £1300 bill. Any little bit will be greatly appreciated and myself and my beautiful 12 and a half year old Keeta thankyou so very much.