More than £1,800 has been raised in just over a month for a beloved dog who is undergoing chemotherapy.

German shepherd-cross Duke was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer of lymphocytes – cells that are part of the immune system, in March and started his treatment at the beginning of April.

His owner Lauren Austen, from Eastchurch, said: “Duke is only six years old and, although lymphoma is incurable, his oncologist has said he can live about another year with this treatment, but only four to six weeks without.

"He’s two months into his treatment and has responded really well so far.

“If all goes to plan, he will complete it in August.”

However, Duke's treatment comes with a price tag of £8,000 - and his insurance will cover just the first £4,000.

Lauren, who has had him since he was a puppy, said: “I set up a fundraiser on Facebook because I want to give Duke every possible chance of living a happy, healthy life for as long as possible.

“He is a wonderful dog, he is my world and I hate that this has happened to him.”

So far, in just over a month, a total of £1,809 has been raised towards Duke's chemo.

Lauren said: "I am so grateful to everyone who has donated towards his vets bill.

"I knew I couldn't possibly afford to pay for this all by myself, but now it’s more doable - even if I have to get a bank loan to cover the remaining amount."

The 51-year-old added: "The generosity has humbled me and has made me realise just how fantastic people are.

"I'm also pleased to have been able to raise awareness about this disease, which affects so many dogs.
"I know at the end of it all, Duke's not going to be here forever, but he would have been gone now if he hadn’t had the treatment.

"My aim is that he gets as much out of the rest of his life as possible."

• If you'd like to donate, visit tinyurl.com/MoneyForDuke

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