BENJI the border collie needs a specialist double hip replacement but his owners, who are both unwell, can’t afford the treatment.

Lisa and Tony Edwards, from Buckfastleigh, have set up an online fundraising account and are raising money through car boot sales and collecting tins to get to the £5,000 required.

Lisa said: ‘We really need help to raise the funds for poor Benji, who’s 13 months old.

‘He has hip dysplasia in both his back hips and needs a special double hip replacement.

‘Nowhere in Devon can offer this operation and it has to be done by a specialist, hence why we need to raise so much money.’

Benji was diagnosed when he was eight months old. He has had physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, at £50 per session, to keep his muscles strong and needs constant medication for the pain.

Lisa added: ‘We also have his sister Shadow and she is fine. Unfortunately Benji is missing out a lot as he can’t go on long walks or play with his sister in the fields anymore, which is so unfair for him.

‘He isn’t allowed to run with Shadow and has been restricted to 10-minute walks on easy ground so he doesn’t hurt himself.

‘I feel so guilty for him as there is nothing I can do and physio hasn’t helped him.’

Lisa is a full-time carer for her husband Tony, who has severe COPD and cancer. She suffers from Crohn’s disease.

‘We are on limited funds and unable to save the money for Benji’s operation quick enough,’ she said.

‘We’ve managed to save some money out of my husband’s Disability Living Allowance and my Carer’s Allowance but it’s a struggle.

‘We have a gofundme page which has been shared on Facebook and Twitter which we have had some funds on, and also some cash donations given to us.

‘I’m also doing car boot sales and take a donation tin with me, which has been helping a little.

‘So far we’ve raised £660 but it’s a long way off £5,000 and Benji is struggling every day he doesn’t have the operation.

‘My dream would be to take Benji for his operation but this will never happen unless a miracle happens. All we want to do is get the operation done and make our boy well again.

‘If anyone is able to help us in some way we would very much appreciate it.’

Benji’s online fundraising page is at https://www.gofundme.com/

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