Staff at a Burnham-On-Sea care home who are looking after a VIP dog whose owner died several years ago have this week thanked a group of fishermen who have raised £2,000 to save the pooch from bankruptcy!
Bob, a black Labrador, is a resident at Burnham Lodge Nursing Home after his owner, Burnham war veteran Harold Pursey, died in 2010.
Since the death of his owner, the nursing home’s staff, residents and social worker have worked hard to raise funds to keep a trust fund topped up for Bob’s ongoing veterinary fees.
They recently issued an appeal for funds when it emerged he was near bankruptcy, as we reported here.
On Saturday, a group of anglers came together from far and wide to support Burnham’s most loveable pooch!
The successful fishing event at Brean’s Northam Farm – organised by Ray Smith from Burnham Lodge Nursing Home – raised a staggering total of over £2,000.
Burnham’s Mayor Martin Cox said: “On behalf of Burnham Lodge and Bobby himself a huge thank you goes to Northam Farm who kindly donated the lake and their time. The event was well supported despite the cold weather conditions.”
Anglers battled to win trophies and the contest was won by Mervyn Clark (pictured right) while second was Andy Fry and the joint third places were shared by Dave Corkhill and Barry Farrow. Fourth was George Hancock. A special trophy was presented to Dave Corkhill for the biggest fish of the day, a Ghost Carp weighing 21lb.
Cllr Cox, accompanied by Bob himself, presented the certificates and prizes, and congratulated all those involved and even presented Bobby with a special bone!
He also thanked the event’s sponsors who included Any Other Business, Animal Fayre, Ashley Edwards Funeral Directors, Bridgwater Angling, Burnham Angling Centre, Burnham Lodge, Cooper B Line, Dunstan House, Equip Test, Highbridge CRS, Highbridge Veals, Home Hardware DIY, K9 Bodyworks, K9 Hydrotherapy, Pete supporting Bob and Tip Top Pet Care.
Social Worker Judith Alder, who oversees Bob’s care, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “At 13½ years old, Bobby remains a happy, contented and lovable companion to all residents, visitors and staff.”
“Over the years his health has been troublesome, resulting in significant veterinary fees. He has recently successfully undergone further surgery and is now back to good health. Bob’s care plan includes acupuncture and hydrotherapy for his arthritis which is funded by an anonymous benefactor.”
“Bob is enjoying a life of luxury, but unbeknown to him he was slowly going bankrupt! To that end, staff and local fishermen rallied together and the fishing competition was held.”
Pictured: The scenes at Saturday’s fishing competition held for VIP dog Bob from Burnham Nursing Home (pics Mike Lang)
