A heartbroken family is relying on the kindness of others to help save their puppy.

Becky and Brian Senior from Prudhoe, are asking members of the public to help gather funding to pay for a CT scan to see what is wrong with their 11-month-old border collie puppy Max.

The family bought Max when he was 10 weeks old from a private seller as a sign of a fresh start after Becky's husband Brian beat cancer.  It was also hoped that Max could one day be trained as an autism-trained dog for one of their kids.

Several months after bringing Max home, he became ill, and his symptoms became worse.

She said: "We thought that he had eaten something on his walk and thought he had a bad tummy.

"The vet has said that they are worried Max may have a liver shunt and are unsure how he'll go without knowing and sorting treatment.

"We know they are doing everything they can, but he isn't getting better, hence the need for this referral and scan.

"We have been told he needs a CT scan, but it will cost around £3000.

"We can't afford this, and due to me losing my job, we only have one wage coming in, although I am in training for a new job.

"Max was admitted to the referral centre as an emergency and we have paid a £2000 deposit to get him admitted but this has nearly been used up.

"The latest update we have is that he is on lots of medication, a feeding tube due to his sickness, severe diarrhoea and not eating which led to being very underweight."

So far, the fundraiser has raised £4930 and has come from family, friends and strangers who hope they can help pay for the scan and then bring the puppy home.

She adds: "Max is a family member and very well-loved in our community also.

"He loves to show off his fancy trick, good charms and amazing behaviour.

“Everyone comments on how well-behaved he is and how great his ability to listen and carry out commands perfectly.

"We wanted to further train him as an autism service dog to help one of our children who has been going through various assessments over the past two years.

"Max is not only great at doing what he needs to, he brought our family together after a traumatic cancer diagnosis that we have come out of stronger.

"Our boy has just been the icing on our family, and we can't bear to let him down.

"We are very grateful for everyone's help so far.

"We did not expect more than £100 raised. It is heartwarming that even people we don't know have donated money to help us."

For more information follow this link www.gofundme.com/f/help-raise-for-a-ct-scan-for-our-pup-max?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook