The Background to Charlie Becoming An Orphan

I was recently in hospital with severe respiratory pneumonia due to Covid 19 infection. Whilst I was in hospital, my Aunty Valerie was also admitted, to a different hospital, with very similar symptoms.

This is my Aunty Valerie, Charlies owner, who passed away 2nd week in January 2021 from infection with Covid 19. She had already taken Charlie on after his original owner had personal challenges. Aunty Val absolutely loved Charlie. He was her daily companion.

We managed to text one another, just once, where she told me she loved me and to pass on hugs from her to my own children. We were very close as a family.

Aunty Val had lived in a small council bungalow, alone with her little dog Charlie for company. Now poor little Charlie the Chihuahua is an orphan.

After an 8 day struggle, (and prior to that 14 days at home being tortured by Covid) I was finally released from hospital on 15th January 2021. I have many weeks of recovery to go.

Becasue I love my aunty Val, and her dog Charlie, we want to do the right thing and keep him in the family. But sadly we don't have the extra money right now to make sure he is kept fit and healthy, as we are on a very low income due to covid furlough and unemployment. So I have created this justgiving page for 2 reasons.

And secondly to provide for Charlie, so that we can care for his needs, and give him a very long and happy life and to 'have a great time', which Aunty Val always tried to do.

Here's Charlie Boy ! My aunty Val has pink leggings on, and that my mums bare feet in the photo taken maybe a year ago at aunty Vals bungalow in Peterlee, north east England.

What will we spend the money on?

Firstly Charlie will need clean food, clean water and a place to sleep. We estimate £3 per day is a good figure for this. For the whole of the next year, that will cost £1095. Its a lot of money when you work it out.

Now there is insurance for Charlie, this will ensure that if little Charlie feels poorly or unwell we're able to immediately get him the necessary veterinary help he might need. We don't want him taking ill and passing away like my poor aunty Val. We estimate that might cost upwards of £180. He isn't as young as he used to be.

And then there are incidentals for Charlie, like grooming, walking and personal care. We want him to be as happy as possible after this terrible event in his little life. We estimate about £4 or £5 a week towards this would be a really good estimate.

All in all his minimum needs for the next year are about £1500.

How will be spend any Surplus Money?

Once we've reached our target, and protected Charlie, any further funds will be distributed amonst the many other animal charities to support and assist with the care of other pets, dogs and cats who have been left behind by those who have passed away from illness, Covid 19 or poor health. There are currently around 1500 people dying in UK every day from Covid 19 related Illness. Thats potentially a lot of animals suffering.

Contact Charlie

IF you'd like to be updated on Charlie, send an email to charlie@bongowongo.com . He'll tell you in his own words (or at least we'll translate for you how he's doing). Send him an email, he'd love to hear from you.

The Hidden Truth Behind Covid 19 Bereavement

This is a bit of a hidden problem. 1500 people per day are dying from Covid 19 just in the UK. These are mainly older, frail and in many cases living on their own with a dog or a cat for company. What is happenning to their precious pets? We want to contribute to the wellbeing of these priceless animals.

Please supoort us with this mission: "To pay for the ongoing care of Charlie and his pet friends."

Please consider giving generously, and with a good heart.

Thank you.