Hello, my name is Barney. I'm a 10 year old Labrador cross. My favourite things were going on long walks with my mum and playing with my doggy friends in the local park. I've been unable to walk much recently as I have a lot of pain in my front left leg. The vet, a nice man but still a vet! Anyway, he says I was born with something called joint dysplasia in my elbow. I've had all sorts of medication but nothing has helped ease the pain and now I need an operation. My mum has to take me for walks in my pram now as after a few minutes I'm in too much pain to carry on walking.

I'm a very healthy dog apart from my leg and very well cared for by my mum. I long to be able to run around with my friends again. When I'm better my mum has promised to take me to the beach, I love the beach and swimming in the sea. The operation is expensive though, its at least £5000! My mummy has me insured but they have refused to pay for my operation. My mummy isn't well herself and she can't afford to pay for it. My mum and I would be most grateful if you could spare a little something to help me get back to my old self again. I can only thank you in a doggy way by wagging my tail and licking your face. Please help me to be free from pain. Lots of love and doggy kisses Barney.

P.S. Here's a photo of me and my mum and one of me when I was younger.