AD FEATURE: Spiralling vet bills left one family facing an agonising choice until a text changed everything

Deanne Peacock and her husband Sam had always dreamed of welcoming a dog into their home. That moment finally came in March 2020 when they found Ted, an 11-month-old Golden Retriever from a local breeder in Cambridgeshire. The couple instantly fell in love with his playful nature and gentle temperament, knowing he would be the perfect addition to their family. They were also pleased to learn they were giving Ted a second chance after his first owners had returned him, having quickly realised dog ownership wasn't right for them. And the timing turned out to be just right. “We’d only had him for two weeks and then the country went into lockdown,” recalls Deanne, 34. “But Ted really helped us during that time. He always gave us something to focus on. He was so good with the kids. It was all perfect.” A heartbreaking turn of events Then, two years ago, everything changed. It started when Ted suddenly started gnawing at his paw, and within days his skin erupted into an oozing rash that spread from his neck upwards. Ted was rushed to the vet, where he was shaved, and he was prescribed antibiotics, steroids and ointments for severe dermatitis. Deanne was then dealt a further blow. Despite her paying nearly £50 a month for pet insurance, Ted’s treatment wasn’t covered and she was suddenly facing more than £2,000 in vet bills. “It was September, and I had to use all the savings I’d put aside for Christmas,” Deanne says. “But the treatment still wasn’t working.” Ted then developed an ear infection, leading to further vet appointments and expensive medication. With no answers and more costly bills ahead, Deanne felt she was out of options. “I sat down with Sam and said, ‘I just can’t afford it anymore. I’ve got nothing left. Ted needs to go somewhere that can put money into this treatment. “It was like giving up a child. I was crying. The kids adored him. Everyone loves Ted. But I was prepared to do it if it meant he wasn’t in discomfort.” Desperate, Deanne contacted Serena Rodd, an outreach officer at pet charity Woodgreen, to help find Ted a new home; it would be his third in less than five years. Keeping pets and loving owners together Woodgreen supports thousands of pets and their owners across the UK each year, offering everything from expert advice to emergency care and in-home support. The charity's dedicated outreach team provides free health and wellbeing checks, veterinary support, and vital supplies and food parcels to those most in need, recognising that financial pressures are a leading cause of pets being given up. Last year alone, the charity reached 220,000 people across the UK through its range of services, which include online advice and a free pet helpline. By easing the pressures that push families to breaking point, Woodgreen helps keep pets where they belong: safe, loved and at home. This is how Woodgreen rescues. Serena, 32, from Woodgreen, still remembers the first text message she received from Deanne. “It was so sad to remember where she was at,” she recalls. “She said that rehoming Ted was her last option. “But he is such a family dog. He really thrives being around Deanne and her children. You could tell his whole life was them. It didn’t make any sense to remove a dog from that situation. “Instead, I gave him a full health check and talked through what she’d tried. It was clear to me that there were more options, and that Woodgreen could support Deanne to get Ted the right treatment. “I told her, ‘Just give me three months, I can help.’” Woodgreen immediately contributed £150 towards a new vet consultation and treatment. The vet prescribed ear drops, clearing the infection within two weeks. But the real breakthrough came when, after an allergy was identified, Serena suggested switching Ted to a specialist hypoallergenic diet. Once that had been approved by the vet, Woodgreen provided Deanne with a large bag of hypoallergenic dog food – along with medicated shampoo and hypoallergenic house spray. “It was like magic,” says Deanne. Crucially, it meant that Ted could stay with his family rather than be rehomed. “Since then, we’ve not had any more flare-ups,” says Deanne. “Ted is back to being like he was before. And he’s still the most loving, friendly dog you could ever wish for.“ This is how we rescue Woodgreen exists to ensure every pet has a healthy, happy home and that every owner receives the support needed to make this possible. Whether responding to urgent calls, delivering vital supplies and food packages, visiting communities for health and wellbeing checks or offering practical advice, the team are always ready to help. Woodgreen works alongside owners in their homes to help keep pets and their people together, stepping in before a moment of crisis becomes a heartbreaking separation. And when staying together isn’t possible, Woodgreen continues to care for pets, giving them the shelter, support and kindness they need until they can find another loving home. If you need support with your pet, visit woodgreen.org.uk Happily ever after Deanne adds, “I’m so grateful to Serena and Woodgreen. The kids would never have forgiven me if we’d given Ted up. “My advice to others who are in a similar situation is not to be afraid to ask for help. I don’t like asking, but I did, and it was the best decision I made.” Serena agrees that it can sometimes be difficult for owners to take the first step and ask for help, but adds that the cost-of-living crisis is now one of the most common reasons people need support. “It doesn't matter what’s caused owners to get in touch, Woodgreen is here to help. There’s no judgment," she says. “It was lovely to see Ted again. He looked so healthy, and his coat was so shiny. It showed all the work was completely worth it.”