Christian Tatman, Frankston Standard Leader
WHEN Helen Wade first set eyes on playful pooch Cassie, she knew the then five-month-old border collie was the right fit.
The Langwarrin woman was looking for a mate for her Maltese cross Toby and Cassie’s gentle nature was the recipe for a paw-fect union.
But a niggling worry about what Ms Wade described as a “washing machine sensation” near Cassie’s heart confirmed her worst fears.
Just over a year after bringing Cassie home, tests found the dog had a hole in the heart and would die within two years without urgent surgery.
An animal lover, Ms Wade was reeling over both the diagnosis and the cost of surgery, which ran into thousands of dollars.
But a plea to the Pet Medical Crisis Fund saw the organisation kick in $1000 to make the surgery possible.
The fund helps pensioners and disadvantaged pet owners who cannot afford surgery to keep their pet alive.
Fund head Jennifer Hunt said Cassie was an important part of Ms Wade’s life.
“They saved Cassie’s life. That was a lot of money to come up with,” Ms Wade said.
Both Ms Hunt and Ms Wade praised vet Richard Woolley for his work to save Cassie’s life.