Middlesbrough appeal launched to help surfing dog Hattie

Hattie, a 12-year-old cocker spaniel, is facing worsening cataracts after being diagnosed with diabetes, leaving the much-loved pet at risk of losing her sight.

Family friend Lisa Davis, from Middlesbrough, has now set up a GoFundMe campaign which has already raised more than £3,500 towards specialist treatment.

Hattie captured the hearts of people across the region after becoming a regular sight in Bridlington, on the Yorkshire coast, surfing on the sea, where she and owner Andrew Bacon holiday twice a year.

The much-loved pet was diagnosed with diabetes, a condition that has now triggered severe eye problems and worsening cataracts.

Hattie, the 12-year-old famous surfing pooch (Image: PROVIDED)

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to cover specialist treatment costs, with donations already reaching £3,570.

Lisa is urging people to donate or share the appeal.

Hattie with Lisa, who set up the fundraiser that has already raised thousands (Image: PROVIDED)

Hattie has already been examined by a specialist veterinary eye consultant and is now on a strict regime of four different eye drops administered throughout the day.

She is due back with the consultant, with further treatment expected to run into thousands of pounds.

Surgery for one eye would cost £5,100, while treating both would total £6,100, with additional aftercare and medication costs on top.

Hattie and her owner Andrew (Image: PROVIDED)

Andrew took early retirement to care for Hattie full-time after her diabetes diagnosis, refusing to leave her alone in case she suffered a dangerous hypoglycaemic episode.

He has also bought her a pram to ensure she can still enjoy daily walks and sunshine despite her failing vision.

Now settled into retirement at “Hattie Hall”, the famous dog has become a fixture around Bridlington, with regular walks along the harbour, Limekiln Lane, Sewerby Cliffs and Pheasant Flush.

Hattie the famous pooch that brought smiles to lots across lockdown from her social media page (Image: PROVIDED)

She is best known for hitting the waves on her surfboard at Wilsthorpe Beach.

Lisa said Hattie was an “amazing helper” during lockdown, supporting Andrew at work when he needed her most.

She said: “She was an amazing helper during lockdown, helping her daddy at work, so now it is our turn to pay back for all her hard work and dedication.”

Hattie, the 12-year-old famous surfing pooch (Image: PROVIDED)

She was named Greater Manchester’s top hero dog of lockdown for helping her dad at work and bringing smiles to people on social media.

A fundraiser update said Hattie’s cataracts have steadily worsened since appearing after her diabetes diagnosis.

Hattie at her dad’s work (Image: PROVIDED)

Andrew and Lisa said they were “totally overwhelmed and humbled” by the generosity shown so far.

The update added: “The specialist treatment is very expensive and we have been totally overwhelmed and humbled by the kindness and generosity of everyone that has donated to the fund which will be an enormous financial help.”

Hattie, the 12-year-old cocker spaniel (Image: PROVIDED)

Hattie with her eye medication (Image: PROVIDED)

Lisa visits Hattie whenever she travels to Bridlington and hopes the appeal will help the dog recognise her friends when Lisa returns next summer.

She said: “It would be amazing if she was able to see and recognise all her friends in Bridlington again during my summer holibobs next year.”

Donations can be made through Hattie’s GoFundMe page.