Hi, we’re Lauren and Josh, proud owners of our beautiful 11 month old Golden Setter, Ralph.

On the 27th September, our wedding day, Ralph, after eating a goats leg/hoof, suddenly became very unwell. He was lethargic, not his usual happy, bouncy self, and started passing large amounts of blood. We rushed him to the vets, but over the next week, we were told it was likely just a stomach bug.

Despite trusting their advice, we knew something wasn’t right. While we were away on our honeymoon, Ralph’s condition worsened. On Monday 6th October, he was rushed back to the vets, where an ultrasound finally revealed a partial blockage in his intestines.

He was taken straight into surgery, but what they found was far worse than expected. Ralph’s intestines had telescoped into themselves, a rare and life-threatening condition called Intussusception, affecting the junction where his small and large intestines meet.

After the first surgery, Ralph deteriorated and became septic, he required emergency re-surgery by specialists at Swift Referrals in Wetherby. They discovered a tear in his colon (which had caused the sepsis) and had to remove part of his small intestine. Ralph is now battling Septic Peritonitis, a critical infection with a 50/50 survival rate, but he’s fighting so bravely with the help of the amazing team caring for him.

Ralph isn’t insured, and his vet bills have already reached £12,000, likely to rise further as he continues his treatment. Even with insurance, it wouldn’t have touched the sides.

Lauren is 25 weeks pregnant and will be going on maternity leave in December just to add to all the stress.

Our priority is simply getting our boy home safe and healthy. It’s been heartbreaking going through this while away on our honeymoon, feeling helpless and scared.

Any donation, no matter how small, or even your messages, prayers, and support mean the world to us.

All donations will go STRAIGHT to the vets.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Josh & Lauren Brown ❤️