Rio is only five years old and usually full of life. Yesterday, he went for his usual swim, but when we got home, things went wrong. He collapsed and couldn't climb the stairs. He has been shivering and whining in pain, and I’ve had to carry him everywhere.

The vet has diagnosed him with a genetic condition where his knee pops out. The swimming triggered a severe injury, and he needs surgery urgently to stop the pain and prevent permanent disability.

I am a responsible owner—I pay for pet insurance every single month for exactly this reason. However, I was devastated to find out that the insurance company refuses to cover this because they don’t cover "genetic conditions."

I debated hard before writing this. As many of you know, I have had a really rough few years with my own health (recovering from a stroke) and employment. You have been incredibly kind to me in the past when I lost my van and minibus, and I feel awful asking again.

I am scraping together every penny I have personally to put towards this, but the surgery is over £3,000.

I am hoping to raise £1500 to cover the immediate surgery for his worst knee so he can stop being in pain.