Boxer puppy helps dog rescue charity

Patchess was one of a litter of four puppies born in February last year, but was the only one to survive after her mother, Evie, failed to pull through after a Caesarean section.

To celebrate her first birthday, Patchess’ proud owner Lorraine Watmough teamed up with Mypetstop pet centre in Tingley to throw a bash for other dogs and their owners.

Mypetstop’s centre manager Sheli Dobbie said: “Patchess has been a regular visitor to our centre since being 12 weeks of age. When we heard about her awful ordeal, we wanted to make her first birthday special”

Guests helped to raise the money for West Yorkshire Dog Rescue through donations at the party.

Lorraine, 65, of Hayson Close, Dewsbury, said: “Patchess has got everything she needs so didn’t need any presents, but we knew that there were so many dogs a lot less fortunate than her.”

Evie also belonged to Lorraine and her husband, Rodney, but died after giving birth to her litter of four. And after suffering without their mother’s milk, Patchess’ brother and two sisters died within a few days, but Patchess managed to pull through.

Lorraine said: “The past year has been a roller coaster. Her mum was my best friend, my constant companion. We did everything together and so when we lost her it broke my heart.

WBut we were left with this little girl, the sole survivor, and looking back now I don’t know what we would have done if she hadn’t pulled through it.

“That’s where we got her name from, my daughter suggested we name her after Harry Patch after the longest surviving World War I veteran, because he was the last man standing, just like Patchess was.”