In memory of Barney . . .

The Barney Fund was set up by Grey
friars in 2002 in memory of Barney, a mastiff type cross, who was left tied to the gates of an RSPCA Centre aged about 8 weeks. Barney had badly deformed forelimbs and was unable to walk. After corrective surgery, the RSPCA contacted Greyfriars to see if we could help. Greyfriars provided rehabilitation and hydrotherapy free of charge and found a foster home for Barney. Barney was much loved by all our staff, his carers and our clients, many of whom made donations towards his medical costs. Sadly as Barney grew it became clear that he had a very rare genetic problem affecting his bone growth. After a lovely and happy summer, Barney became very ill and we had to say goodbye.

Looking after Barney made us realise that there is a need for funding for dogs who have no owners, or whose owners don’t have enough money to provide the specialist care needed for recovery. The Barney Fund was started in his memory so that money would be available when dogs in trouble needed rehabilitation help.

Over the last 7 years many dogs from all kinds of backgrounds have been helped by the Barney Fund. These include dogs from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, the RSPCA, the Dogs Trust, Vigil German Shepherd Rescue and Labrador Lifeline Trust. The Fund has provided part funding for long term care and paid for MRI scans, radiographs, outside foster care, veterinary fees including surgery, nursing help, animal ambulance transport and carts for disabled dogs.

Providing rehabilitation has helped many dogs, who were not originally well enough or strong enough to be rehoming candidates, to find new homes directly from Greyfriars. The Barney Fund is administered on behalf of Greyfriars by The Oakdene Foundation, a registered charity.

Ronnie - Spinal surgery and owners were unable to provide long term care during his recovery. Now happily re-homed through Greyfriars

Kim - GSD suffered from degenerative myelopathy and was looked after for 6 months at Greyfriars

Gigi - Daschund had spinal surgery and needed nursing and intensive rehabilitation to recover

Cheque donations should be made payable to The Barney Fund. If you are a taxpayer please contact us for a Gift Aid form to make your donation go further. 100% of funds donated are used to aid dogs in need – there are no administration costs deducted. We are extremely grateful to the private individuals and volunteers that give their time and enthusiasm for free.

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