A WHIPPET named Blaze is credited with holding a central Victorian family together.
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When 11-year-old Axel is at his most anxious, the dog is the first to respond.
Holding him by the wrist, Blaze gently lowers Axel to the floor to help him calm down.
“I know he’s telling me to pet me, it’s alright, just forget about it,” Axel said.
When Axel’s father, Peter, is unwell it’s the dog that raises the alarm and ensures help is on its way.
“Blaze is the most integral part of our family,” Axel’s mother, Wendy, said.
“He helps our family function.”
Now, it’s Blaze that’s in need of assistance.
The Clark family would give everything to help the eight-year-old dog.
Trouble is, they don’t have enough to pay for the medical care he needs.
Five years ago, the whippet broke his leg trying to jump over a fence.
He underwent two surgeries in the first month, which resulted in his leg being plated and pinned.
Blaze’s leg recently swelled up, which led to the discovery of a damaged ligament.
The Pet Medical Crisis Fund provided the funds for the dog’s most recent surgery, for which the Clarks are extremely grateful.
But PMCF founder Jennifer Hunt said the charity did not have the resources to pay for the treatments to follow, including another surgery, estimated to cost $1500.
The Clarks could not bear to be without Blaze.
“It’d totally destroy us,” Wendy said.
So the charity is appealing for help to raise the necessary funds.
“He is just the lifesaver of the family, and he chose them,” Jennifer said.
Blaze has been with the Clarks since he was a puppy, and was the first of his litter to gravitate towards Axel and his siblings.
Axel has autism, and his siblings Jaclyn and Lachie have Asperger syndrome.
Wendy urged people to support the Pet Medical Crisis Fund, and said the family would appreciate any support for Blaze.
To contribute, visit petmedicalcrisisfund.com.au/
‘For Blaze’ must be clearly stated in any donations people wish to direct to his care.