A PRESTWICK woman who says her dog gave her life purpose again after a battle with cancer is overwhelmed by the response to her desperate call to help to save her Peanut.

Tricia Young’s four-legged friend has been the talk of the town for years with the little Daschund the star of the show for Positive Prestwick, an online page set up by Tricia celebrating the town’s community spirit.

Peanut hasn’t been able to get out for his usual adventures, visiting the cafes, restaurants and shops due to coronavirus, but he was dealt a blow just as restrictions were lifted.

The five-year-old Daschund was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) which has caused a disc replacement, and left him unable to walk.

Peanut needed an MRI scan to identify the damage and an operation to stop his condition deteriorating, which could have led to him having to be put down.

Tricia, 55, was left desperately seeking funds to pay for the costly procedure, as she was unable to find insurance for the fourth time rescue dog.

Instead, the community of Prestwick responded by helping her raise £4,500 in just two days.

She told the Advertiser: “I got him just after I had treatment for breast cancer. Peanut gave my life purpose.

“Everybody loves him, he loved getting out and meeting everyone.

“All of this happened about two weeks ago. One day he just couldn’t walk.

“I haven’t left his side since, he has to lie in a crate, and he’s got separation anxiety.

“I took him to Dalblair Vets who were amazing, but they told me his

condition was deteriorating.

“The problem is I couldn’t get him insured, it’s impossible with him being a fourth time rescue to get his previous medical history.

“I even asked the specialised vets in Stirling if we could do a payment plan, but everything has to be paid for after the surgery.”

Tricia has been overwhelmed by the support shown to Peanut who she says is “the little mascot of Prestwick.”

She added: “What an amazing response it has been. I even had a woman text me to say that she would pay the rest when we were sitting at £3,900, it’s overwhelming, and so emotional. Everyone is struggling right now, but they have raised so much for a little dog.”

Little Peanut will go into Broadleys Vet Hospital in Stirling today (July 7).

She added: “He can be saved, his condition is only grade two.

“He’ll still be mobile, he will be able to walk on a lead and have full control of everything. He will just need some help getting upstairs, but it’s better than being stuck in a crate.”