Hi, I’m Mellony, and I’m asking for help for my wee boy, Ralph.

Ralph is my 10-year-old chocolate Labrador, and he's been my companion for his whole life. If you’ve ever met a Lab, you’ll know the kind of joy they bring—but Ralph is something extra special. He lives for the simple things: muddy walks, chasing waves at the beach, and greeting everyone like they’re his new best friend.

Just before Christmas, Ralph had surgery to remove a tumour. We hoped that would be the end of it, but since then things have become more difficult. He’s been diagnosed with arthritis and hip dysplasia, which has made walking harder—but in true Ralph fashion, it hasn’t stopped him. He still wags his tail, still tries to chase a ball, and still insists on enjoying every moment.

While investigating his hip issues, we received the devastating news: there’s another tumour, this time in his hip.

I’ve done everything I can to support him, including making multiple claims on his pet insurance. Even so, I’ve already paid over £2,000 in excess fees, and the insurance funds are being used up quickly just on diagnostics and keeping him comfortable.

The next step is surgery to remove the tumour, estimated at around £8,000, followed by radiotherapy costing between £7,000–£9,000. Unfortunately, the remaining insurance will likely only cover about £1,000 of the surgery—and I simply can’t afford the rest, let alone the follow-up treatment.

This is incredibly hard to write, because asking for help doesn’t come easily. But Ralph deserves a chance. He still has so much life in him, so much love to give, and so many beach trips left to enjoy.

If we are fortunate enough to raise the funds, it will go directly towards giving Ralph the surgery and treatment he needs. However, I also want to be completely transparent—if we are unable to raise enough to proceed with surgery, the money will be used to ensure Ralph is kept as comfortable and pain-free as possible through palliative care for the rest of his life. It will also help cover end-of-life and funeral costs, and any funds left over will be donated to a dog charity or used to help another dog in need of veterinary care.

If you’re able to donate even a few pounds, it would mean more than I can put into words. And if you can’t donate, sharing this would help us more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to read Ralph’s story and for giving him a chance at more happy days.

With love,

Mellony & Ralph