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
Poor Ted was treated for severe dermatitis, followed by an ear infection
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Paul Marriott Photography)
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
