25/07/2026
It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share some devastating news about our beloved Gunther.
Many of you have followed Gunther's journey since he came into our care after suffering catastrophic injuries in a road traffic accident. From the moment he arrived, we promised him that we would do everything we possibly could to give him the future he deserved.
Together with the incredible team at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, we fought for him every step of the way.
There were moments when we truly believed he had turned a corner. We celebrated every small victory, but sadly, for every step forward, it felt like we took three steps back.
As Gunther's recovery continued, it became clear just how much his little body had been through. Alongside the injuries from the road traffic accident, further investigations revealed multiple fractures around his eye sockets, which led to severe and persistent sinus infections. He was also found to have hips with virtually no sockets, meaning the bones in both back legs were rubbing bone on bone, as well as severe arthritis in his front legs caused by poor conformation. Every step Gunther took would have been incredibly painful.
Despite ongoing treatment, specialist care, pain relief and the dedication of both our team and the team at Willows, Gunther's injuries and underlying conditions were simply too severe.
This will always be the toughest part of owning animals.
Our team, alongside the vets caring for him, had to make the heartbreaking decision to let Gunther go peacefully. Although we wanted nothing more than to see him find the loving home he deserved, we couldn't allow him to continue suffering when even the very best care and medication could no longer give him the quality of life he deserved.
Gunther touched every single person who met him. He showed incredible courage, resilience and kindness throughout everything he endured, and he reminded us all why we do what we do.
We would like to thank the wonderful team at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service for standing beside us throughout Gunther's journey. Their dedication, compassion and expertise gave him every possible chance, and we will always be grateful for everything they did for him.
Finally, thank you to every one of you who followed Gunther's story, sent messages of support, donated towards his care and kept him in your thoughts. Your kindness meant more than you will ever know.
Sadly, dogs like Gunther come into our care more often than any of us would like. We will always fight for them. We will always give them every chance we can. But sometimes, despite all the love, dedication and the very best veterinary care, their injuries and illnesses are simply too much to overcome.
Run free, beautiful Gunther. You should have had so much more time, but while you were with us, you were loved beyond measure, and you will never be forgotten.
If you'd like to honour Gunther's memory, you can help give other dogs the second chance they deserve by visiting his memorial page - https://gunther.muchloved.com
