A STRUGGLING couple is appealing for help to pay for their poorly puppy's up to £6,000 operation.

Samuel and Claire Burns welcomed new puppy Fergus into their Maldon home at the end of 2019, after buying him from a breeder in Kent.

The 41-year-old couple describe Fergus as an outgoing puppy who loves walks and cuddles, and is best friends with their golden retriever Hamish.

Sadly they discovered the lively pup was sick in August.

It started with head tremors, then when they took Fergus to the vets Samuel says things went "down hill from there".

Fergus was sent to specialist Dick White Referrals in September, where he was diagnosed with a shunt liver problem and put on medication.

Samuel and Claire were told if the medication doesn't work he would require surgery, and while they had hoped for the best as this worked for a few weeks, Fergus went back to Dick Whites this month and had a relapse.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Samuel Burns with poorly FergusSamuel Burns with poorly Fergus

He had lost his sight for a few days and his condition deteriorated, so he is now on more medication until he can have surgery.

The pup parents say they have tried everything they can to help him.

Samuel said: "Our insurance only paid out £1,000 for the first visit treatment, so far Fergus has cost £3,000.

"Insurance won’t pay out any more for the same problem and we have tried all the known charities.

"We were recommended to try a GoFundMe page but really didn’t think it would help, but so far we have raised about £220 and we need to raise £4,000."

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

The technical term of Fergus' condition is Relapse of Hepatic Encephalopathy secondary to Extra Hepatic Porto Systemic Shunt.

"Going through this has been hell on earth," Samuel added.

"It was horrible to see him go through this, Claire is due a baby this week and our car is in the garage also so it is all going wrong at the same time."

A Maldon business has also stepped in to help out Fergus' fundraiser.

Behind The Damson Door is urging its customers to donate to the couple's GoFundMe, and there's a chance to win a product from their Etsy shop.

There will be three lucky winners picked from the list of donations made - find out how to qualify by visiting the @behindthedamsondoor Instagram page.

To help Samuel and Claire get Fergus the operation he needs, donate to their GoFundMe at gofund.me/6938698c.

Update 29/10 20:00: Radio station give puppy's fundraiser a boost.

David Baker gave little Fergus' Go Fund Me a huge boost this morning as he featured puppy parents Claire and Samuel on Chelmer Radio.

Samuel called into the station during the presenter's daytime show to talk about Fergus and his condition.

David reached out to the couple the day before after discovering the fundraiser on the Standard.

He also shared the Go Fund Me page to Chelmer Radio's social media and a Westie lovers' group with around 15,000 members.

The couple's appeal has now reached £1,355 - heading closer towards the now £6,000 goal as the vet has given them a quote.

Click here to donate towards Fergus' vital surgery.