But thanks to the kindness of strangers, she was able to raise £4,500 in just 36 hours for his treatment.
The little pooch underwent decompressive surgery last month, which involved having his spinal discs ‘shaved’ and left him with 13 staples in his back.
Peanut is now on the mend, although he still can’t exercise.
Tricia, from Prestwick, South Ayrshire, said: ‘Peanut was absolutely fine one day and then the next he couldn’t move his back legs.
‘I took him straight to the vets and they said he had intervertebral disc disease.
‘They said he would need to have his discs shaved because they were in a really bad way.
INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: One of the fringe benefits of taking on the responsibility of pet ownership is that animals can be an instant icebreaker, whether they’re with you or you’re just using them as a topic of conversation.
‘After he was diagnosed we were able to get the surgery very quickly, in the next five days because we raised the money so fast.
‘The community really pulled together to raise the money because everyone knows him and his history.’
Tricia was so desperate to get help for Peanut she even contemplated selling her car after vets told her the surgery would be life-saving.
But kindhearted locals manage to raise the money for the op in less than two days, with one donating enough money to buy Peanut a special pram so he could still get outside.
Tricia, who also has two lhasa apsos, said: ‘He has been rehomed four times already, I got him last year from my friend’s daughter.
‘She was working and he has really bad separation anxiety so I said I could take him because I already have two other dogs.
‘We had been working on his separation anxiety, but since he’s been back home after the vets it’s gotten worse.
‘He’s on the mend but still on limited exercise so I just take him everywhere with me in a pram and he’s happy with it.’
Do you have a story to share?
Most animals are creatures of habit. It will be important to develop a consistent schedule to follow with your new pet. Potty breaks at regular intervals, feeding at the same time(s) every day, playtime, walks – everything needs to be scheduled. At first, this can seem overwhelming but soon enough, you and your new pet will be on the same schedule.
Get in touch at [email protected] .