Northampton family’s plea for help to find out what is wrong with their usually ‘playful’ terrier

A mum and daughter who have been left distraught are pleading for help to find out what is wrong with their usually ‘naughty and playful’ terrier.

Harry, who is just five, has been off his food and drink, has not wanted to play with his toys and has been spending a lot of time alone for more than a month.

Joanna Raftery and Mollie Griffiths, who live in the Headlands, have owned Harry since he was a puppy and have always been wary of the infections he gets regularly.

Harry’s health has always been manageable and has not affected him day-to-day, but earlier this week a vet discovered a lump that is feared to be cancerous.

16-year-old Mollie said: “Harry is normally quite playful and naughty, but for the last month or so he hasn’t been eating or drinking, he hasn’t wanted to play with his toys and he has wanted to be alone quite a lot.

“Everyone who knows Harry, loves him so much. He’s a funny character who is crazy.

“When we were in the vets, my mum couldn’t even speak and I cried for about three hours straight.

“We are beyond devastated. We can’t lose our baby boy, so he needs to have the lump removed to see if it is cancerous.”

The operation that Harry needs will cost around £800, including medicines he will need to take.

Due to Joanna’s ill health, she cannot work, meaning affording the operation, which is booked in for September 11, will be challenging, so the mum and daughter are asking for support.

Mollie added: “I know money is tight for everyone but even a few pounds would be helpful or anything anyone can spare.

“We love Harry so very much and can’t imagine a life without him.

“He’s changed our lives into a happier life so we appreciate every single person that helps our boy.”

Joanna and Mollie have set up a GoFundMe page to help reach the goal of £800 needed for Harry to have the operation.

More than half of the target has already been reached, including £100 from someone the family does not know, which overwhelmed Mollie to the point of tears.

If more money is raised than needed, the spare will be donated to charity.

To help Harry, visit the GoFundMe page here.

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