Anyone who has owned or owns a dog, knows that poisoning by pesticides or rodenticides is one of the most common household dangers. If not detected immediately, it quickly becomes life threatening. Woody, my aunt's 2 year old bearded collie, is sadly one of these victims after ingesting some form of rat poison while playing outside 3 weeks ago.

Since then, Woody has had severe difficulties breathing, extreme weakness, and lost 7kgs. His kidney and liver levels were at a critical stage. After being monitored in the hospital for 3 weeks, he is slowly regaining back his strength, but is still on various medication including antibiotics and cortisone, and has now developed a skin disorder that may have been caused by the amount of medication he is taking. Barely able to walk a few steps outside without feeling exhausted, he is no longer the energy-filled, curious, fun-loving 2 year old puppy we knew before.

We are hopeful that he is now on route for recovery, but it is still too early to say. It goes without saying that his owner, my aunt Ute, has been through a lot these past few weeks. Anyone who knows her (or who follows her Instagram page @Woodyandco) knows how big her heart is for her dogs, and I cannot imagine how tough this time must be for her.

While I can't take away the stress from seeing someone you love suffer, I made this page in hopes to alleviate some of the financial burdens that came with his illness. Daily veterinary checks, regular medical tests and 3 weeks at a hospital have cumulated to an amount that far exceeds the aim of this page. I know that Ute would never ask for money, so I am. I would be endlessly grateful if you could help in any way you can – all proceedings will go directly to Woody's medical bills and future treatment, so that he can continue being the puppy he deserves to be!

http://instagram.com/woodyandco