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Hi folks
I appreciate you don't hear much from me these days, but that's another story for another day, today I desperately need your help, rather Hector does.
My daughter and her husband took on a puppy recently, the 'breeder' couldn't sell him because he had a little heart murmur, so rather than let him be destroyed, they took him on hoping to give him the best life they could along with their other two dogs. They took Hector to their vet for a regular check up to discover that 'the little heart murmur' was actually a grade 6, essentially the worst you can get.
They have already paid out over £1000 for tests and have been told that Hector can live a long and fulfilled life, if he has heart surgery and they (The vets) are certain he can be cured.
I appreciate money is tight for everyone, gas and electric, petrol and diesel, even the price of a good pint is going through the roof but if say 100 members chucked in a fiver each, that would go a good way to help them reach their target, and as you might imagine, time is another thing they are short on.
You can read about Hector and how you can help below, if you are able to help, put NGF in the comments and I can tell my daughter and son in law how my fellow N gauge railway modellers helped save the day again.
I thank you in advance on theirs and Hectors behalf, if the funds can be raised quickly enough and he survives, you can be sure to get pictures and updates on the wee guy.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/hector-needs-heart-surgery?member=18991011&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=sms&utm_source=customer (https://www.gofundme.com/f/hector-needs-heart-surgery?member=18991011&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=sms&utm_source=customer)
Many thanks for this. I didn't see a general comments box - just a box with two names.
Please pass on that this was one unrecorded NGF donation!
Best wishes.
John
Another donation from me.
Best wishes to the little fella, keep us updated.
Michael.
My heart goes out to you all. I love my own puppy and would do anything for him so very happy to make a donation to help Hector. Keep us updated on his progress.
James
Our cats are very precious to us so more than happy to make a donation, I hope Hector can get the surgery he needs as soon as possible.
Roy
P.S. Sorry, didn't see the NGF comments bit.
Donation made and hope the target is reached for Hector (fingers crossed emoji)
I read the above to Louisa and guess what? Yup, donation made but I forgot to mention NGF. I hope little Hector gets the treatment soon.
Addit: I have just received the receipt and was able to add a comment via that. :thumbsup:
another NGF donation :) Hope this helps.
Graham
And another with best wishes
Hi Lawrence,
My friends cockapoos are so much a part of their family they would be heartbroken if anything happened to them, so just donated, and wish Hector back to health quickly xx
All best wishes
Kevin
:beers:
Just donated and glad to see the total is moving pretty fast.
Another one from me👍
Done. Hope you can get the little chap sorted soon.
Cheers,
Chris
Hi guys
Scott and Kirstie have been blown away by the support of the NGF membership, I will eventually send you all personal pms when time allows.
The total is at over £1000 already which is a massive help to them, and Hector of course. Scott has now put his 'project car' on gumtree locally in a bid to reach the £5k target as the vets have advised that Hector needs to be in surgery on Tuesday and they will have to settle up on Wednesday.
Tonight I am going to have a look through what railway related stock I have after our move and perhaps put something on here for sale or auction.
Once again folks, many, many thanks for your generosity in what I know are difficult times for all.
Cheers
Lawrence
p.s. please feel free to share the link in my first post if you happen to know of any other generous souls with a spare couple of quid, thanks
And a tenner from me - good luck with this one.
Great to see the appeal off to a good start but please, everyone, keep the monentum going. If you can afford something towards helping Hector it really will make a difference. I can't imagine how hard it is gor everyone in Hector's loving family.
Very kind of you to say @devonjames (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=9793) , we are trying our best. My slush fund I had put aside for a new layout has all gone in, so fingers crossed
A little extra added. Pippin gives this his official paw of approval
a tenner from me .. all the best hector i to forgot to mention ngf
paul
Quote from: paulbeckwith on April 29, 2022, 08:41:34 PM
a tenner from me .. all the best hector i to forgot to mention ngf
paul
Thanks guys, @paulbeckwith (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=4824) it's okay, my daughter and son in law keep messaging me asking who people are so I keep them right. My daughter messaged me saying 'those railway guys on the forum are amazing' and I fully concur :D
There's another tenner.
I am aware of donations made where folks have remained anonymous in this thread, we are all very grateful for your contributions and your humility.
Things are ticking over and the fund is at just over £1400 now, if I could sell my soul for the other £3600 I would, unfortunately I think that ship has sailed :( :D
I don't think you would get that much, Lawrence.😁. Donated to a good cause. Hope you reach the total.
@Malc (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=497) just had a message from daughter saying 'I think another one of the railway guys just donated, they are amazing' and I would agree :D we are just over £1500 now so hopefully things will keep going.
Not on here but, we have had a few messages asking if this is a scam. Those of you that know me from the very inception of this forum will know that behaviour of that nature is just not me. However, if you do have any concerns please pm me, I am happy to answer any further questions.
Thanks again folks, and if you can rally any more troops to the cause please share this link https://gofund.me/87f925a3 (https://gofund.me/87f925a3)
I know what you mean about scams, but as you say, you have been a stalwart of the forum, so I had no worries. I'll share on my FB page.
Hi Lawrence,
We've got four dogs and I had a heart flutter procedure in January so thought I cannot not contribute a little bit. Told the misses and she said I was an idiot giving that much and so she upped it! :)
Good luck to the little fella :thumbsup:
Cheers, weave :beers:
Probably get flamed for asking but what happens if you don't succeed...? You need to get to £5k in 2 days, and you've raised £1500 in the preceding 4? I'm sure it's not a scam, but will everyone get a refund if the total isn't reached?
Quote from: njee20 on May 01, 2022, 02:37:21 PM
Probably get flamed for asking but what happens if you don't succeed...? You need to get to £5k in 2 days, and you've raised £1500 in the preceding 4? I'm sure it's not a scam, but will everyone get a refund if the total isn't reached?
Trying following the link and read it.
And of course I have, but platitudes of "we'll get the money somehow" aside it doesn't seem clear, and therefore not an unreasonable question to me. They've said the vet needs the money by Wednesday. One presumes they don't have access to that sort of credit. Just a question.
Or you could send Money to Ukraine relief and help
People?
Quote from: njee20 on May 01, 2022, 04:03:55 PM
And of course I have, but platitudes of "we'll get the money somehow" aside it doesn't seem clear, and therefore not an unreasonable question to me. They've said the vet needs the money by Wednesday. One presumes they don't have access to that sort of credit. Just a question.
I have no issues with your enquiry @njee20 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=1147) they have applied for a small bank loan and are awaiting the outcome. Should that not happen, well I have already put the £500 I had put aside for my new layout into the fund and we are due to have some work done in the house which I will cancel and loan them the shortfall. They have already paid out £1000 for tests and between us, we didn't have the £5000, hence the loan application and GoFund me page. Rest assured, one way or another, the surgery will go ahead and the vet will get paid. I am sure you wont mind if I don't go into our personal finances in too much detail but there is a genuine reason for the fund raising.
@Railwaygun (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=941) if you will excuse the pun, I'm not holding a gun to your head and, I am sure, that like myself, many others on here will have already contributed to the efforts in Ukraine, nobody is demanding anything of you, just asking for a little help
if people can afford it.
Quote from: Lawrence on May 01, 2022, 06:27:09 PM
Quote from: njee20 on May 01, 2022, 04:03:55 PM
And of course I have, but platitudes of "we'll get the money somehow" aside it doesn't seem clear, and therefore not an unreasonable question to me. They've said the vet needs the money by Wednesday. One presumes they don't have access to that sort of credit. Just a question.
I have no issues with your enquiry @njee20 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=1147) they have applied for a small bank loan and are awaiting the outcome. Should that not happen, well I have already put the £500 I had put aside for my new layout into the fund and we are due to have some work done in the house which I will cancel and loan them the shortfall. They have already paid out £1000 for tests and between us, we didn't have the £5000, hence the loan application and GoFund me page. Rest assured, one way or another, the surgery will go ahead and the vet will get paid. I am sure you wont mind if I don't go into our personal finances in too much detail but there is a genuine reason for the fund raising.
@Railwaygun (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=941) if you will excuse the pun, I'm not holding a gun to your head and, I am sure, that like myself, many others on here will have already contributed to the efforts in Ukraine, nobody is demanding anything of you, just asking for a little help if people can afford it.
And I hope you keep us informed of how the finances are going. I rather think that a bit more could be raised (or borrowed) from members of our FantasticForum if that would be helpful.
Perhaps some of us could sell unneeded stuff on the excellent Nporium to help. 10% to ForumFunds and 90% to help pay off Hector's loan/s. Just a thought.
Anyway, best wishes with this and please let me know if I can help further.
Finally, I don't think contributing to this and to a Ukraine appeal (or, indeed, anything else) are mutually exclusive.
All the very best.
John
@Train Waiting (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=6222) Thank you John, we will of course keep you informed, thank you for your words of encouragement
So Hector was about to get a bath last night prior to heading to Edinburgh for surgery tomorrow
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/16-020522162232.jpeg)
He is being treated at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies which is part of Edinburgh University, they wont know till tomorrow but are hoping it will be not dissimilar to to work on a human heart. They will enter the groin at his hind legs and, by means of a catheter will hope to deliver a transarterial coil (or similar device). Should that fail, then they will have to open the little guy up which is obviously more dangerous.
I probably won't hear until Wednesday how things have gone, unless something untoward occurs Tuesday.
Finally, you have been amazing guys, we are over £1700 now, getting the target in such a short space of time was always going to be hard but my God have you lot pitched in handsomely. Scott & Kirstie had already paid out just over £1000 for various tests and scan etc. they have another £1000 left in savings which they will put in. Unfortunately the finance has not come through so yours truly is putting some home improvements on hold to loan them the shortfall.
I appreciate that not all members are animal lovers, and not all see the value in putting money into such a campaign, preferring it to go to something more personal to them, I have no issues with that. I am hugely grateful though to those who are of a like mind and who have dug deep, very deep in some cases.
The fundraising will be left open for a while after all is done and dusted, additional monies will be donated to The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies for their research into animal welfare projects.
From the bottom of Hectors little 220 beats per minute heart, thank you
Good luck tomorrow Lawrence. I'll be thinking of you all and poor Hector too. They can do amazing things and he is in the right place so you have every reason to be confident of a successful outcome.
I think you have to be, or have been, a dog owner to fully understand how they become a close member of your family. They rely upon you so much and give back so much love. That's why you would always do whatever you need to do to help them and that's exactly what you are doing. If some of us have been able, in a very small way, to make it a little bit less hard for you then that's reassuring. We understand.
Hi @Lawrence (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=16)
My apologies, just seen your posting. Unfortunately we know how expensive vet bills can be as it cost us over £8,000 to heal Henry (our adored fluffy Boy cat) after his car accident six years ago. You may have seen we lost Henry last month to diabetes but those extra years were worth every penny.
We have made a donation to Hector's fund and we send all our best wishes to the wee fella. Best of luck for tomorrow.
Kind regards
Paddy
Many thanks for the update, Lawrence. Fingers (and other things) crossed for Hector.
Hector went in this morning for pre op and they discovered he is retaining water and had not put as much weight on as was hoped. He has been given diuretics to deal with the water retention, with a view to carrying out the procedure tomorrow.
It does mean another night stopover for them in Edinburgh but the surgeon wanted to give him another 24 hours before proceeding. Apparently he has wolfed his tea down and taking it in his stride :D
Hopefully a proper update tomorrow.
Oh, nearly forgot to mention, just topped the £2000 mark and you guys have played a major role in that, I don't know how to thank you and I know Scott and Kirstie have been left dumbfounded at your generosity
:NGF:
Just seen this thread and have made a small donation. An inspiring story and fingers crossed Hector get's his surgery and that the outcome is successful
Well Hector has had his surgery folks, things didn't go quite as planned. The initial plug (for want of a better word) was too small when it was fitted so they had to take it out and put another bigger one in so the wee man has taken a bit of a battering around the back legs/groin area. After fitting his heart shrunk considerably and they were a little concerned about it, fortunately it did stop shrinking before they had to take any action and once all was done the heart settled into a more steady rhythm. Obviously heart surgery on something 12 weeks old and weighing about the same as a couple of bags of sugar is not without its dangers but there will be staff monitoring him throughout the night and, assuming all is well, he will be allowed home tomorrow.
He will have a raft of painkillers and anti-biotics to take along with medication to stabilise the heart and it is unclear yet whether he will have to get the canine equivalent of Warfarin for the rest of his days. He will have to go back in six months time for checks and scans.
On the assumption that he makes it through the night successfully, there is no reason to think he wont go on to live a full life term, albeit his lifestyle may be a little restricted.
Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to give 100% good news and once again, thank you from all of us for your magnificent support. They are going to keep the fund running for another few days as we have friends wishing to donate but are unable to do so until the weekend, so there is still time guys ;)
It certainly sounds promising. :thumbsup: Thanks for the update.
Thanks @Lawrence (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=16) . We have everything crossed for the wee fella.
Kind regards
Paddy
@Lawrence (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=16) how is Hector doing? We've been thinking of him. Hope he is making good progress and will be home with his family soon.
Thanks for asking guys, have asked daughter to see how he is doing this afternoon, as of yesterday he was sleeping, eating, gingerly moving around and bodily functions seem to be okay.
As soon as I know more, I will update you all
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/16-060522173941.jpeg)
Hi folks
Well I am home, it was a bit scary but I am a big brave boy (12 weeks old now) so I took it in my stride. My humans (Scott & Kirstie) keep giving me tablets for my heart, because some nice lady put a plug in it, I thought that was what went in the bath :confused1: but apparently I have one in my heart too. I also get some tablets with big words, but Grandad Lawrence tells me they are called paracetamol and anti biotics, I didn't know I had an aunty :worried:
I just wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you for, well, saving my life really. It would have been so much harder for my humans to cope, but, the support you wonderful people gave, not just financially but also the messages, have really helped them through what was a very difficult time. Personally, I slept most of it, but thanks from me too.
Love and slobbery kisses
Hector
Thank you Hector for the update and good luck for the future. :thumbsup:
Addit: That human lady that lives me has just seen your picture and said "Aww, isn't he lovely". (She never says that when looking at a picture of me!).
Son in law just posted this on his facebook thing
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/16-070522070825.jpeg)
We could not be happier, the surgery took a little longer than expected, they required to make some changes from the initial plan to get the PDA closed, but thankfully he was able to have the surgery through the artery in his right leg, keyhole surgery, so his recovery should be shorter and no big scars on his chest.
He did get shaved quite a bit in case anything went wrong during the surgery, but this was to ensure the surgeon and her team were prepared for the worst while they worked for the best, I think this qualifies as the best. Hectors Heart has shrunken back down to a within normal size range, and it is no longer putting pressure on his lungs, and his heart rate has come down from 200 bpm+ to a more normal rate for doggies 106 bpm.
He has a couple of leaky valves in his heart still, but we have been advised that this may still improve as his recovery goes on, he is still on some medication to help strengthen his heart muscles and for water retention, but Vets are hopeful he will be able to come off these within 1 week to 1 month.
His prognosis was grim going into this, he was in congestive heart failure and was looking at a life expectancy in the months to 1 year range; but now that has all changed for him, all going well with this recovery we are told his life expectancy is out towards 10 years, without all of your support this would not have been possible, so thank you.
We would also like to thank Vets and Surgeons at the Royal Edinburgh Small Animal Veterinary Hospital; they are amazing people, and we cannot than them enough for all they have done for Hector and our family.
Finally, we will close this fundraiser in the morning to new donations, you will still be able to see it and we will update Hectors progress from time to time here.
Thank you again, lots of Love the Reid Family
Really good news, @Lawrence (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=16) . Well done for bringing little Hector to our attention. Let's hope he goes from strength to strength.
Just a quick update on the we guy for all of you generous folk who were so kind to help out.
Hector had his stitches out today and he is healing well, he has also had his cone round his neck finally removed. He has put on a good bit of weight and now rocks in at 3.4kg. He still has to be kept calm and will be on various medication for a while yet as, whilst his pulse is back to something approaching normal, his breathing rate is still a bit on the high side, a little like the final bill, but thanks to your generosity, the bank of Mum & Dad, didn't take as big a beating as initially thought.
So from all of us, thank you, you have all made such a difference to several lives with your generosity.
That is wonderful news @Lawrence (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=16). Glad we could help the wee fella. When possible, it would be great to see a new photo of Hector minus the "Cone of Shame"!
:)
Kind regards
Paddy
@Lawrence (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=16)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/264-130522220248-1227122375.jpeg)
Only too happy to oblige @Paddy (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=356)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/16-140522071429.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/16-140522071452.jpeg)
and yes, it is a christmas jumper he is wearing but it is the only one any of us had that would fit the wee guy.
good news hector is doing well ...... only around 224 till xmas and he can wear jumper again
paul
Almost a year on now. @Lawrence (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=16) what news of Hector? Has he fully recovered and is now leading a normal life?
Quote from: devonjames on March 30, 2023, 05:32:06 PM
Almost a year on now. @Lawrence (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=16) what news of Hector? Has he fully recovered and is now leading a normal life?
O don't have a recent picture but will try and get one, suffice to say he is a normal wee dog now, still has to take some meds but other than that he is absolutely fine. And it is thanks in no small part to many members on here and their generosity
That's great news. I'm pleased to hear it and also delighted for you and your family. Thanks for the update.