A PET-LOVING family from Rugby are on a mission to raise money to help their beloved pooch – ex-military dog, Copper.
Adrian Proffitt and his family are trying to raise funds to pay for expensive treatment for their heroic hound.
Copper, a six-year-old Labrador, is a former military service dog, having served in Afghanistan as part of the British Army’s Explosive and Ammunition Unit.
The now-retired family pet was born in New York and trained by US Military Forces, before being handed over to the British Army where he spent two years on ground patrols – clearing routes for soldiers and saving countless military and civilian lives along the way.
Adrian, 43, and friend Michael Bates decided to turn to GoFundMe to try to raise £2,000 to help cover costly treatments Copper now requires for spine and hind leg injuries.
In only two weeks, the community showed amazing support to the charity funding webpage – exceeding Adrian and Michael’s target with over £2,200.
Adrian said: “Copper is a true hero that has served the Coalition Forces well, he now needs our support in getting back to full health.
“We as a family are very proud to house such a hero that served in Afghanistan so it’s with regret that we find ourselves struggling to fund a very expensive problem that Copper has developed in his rear legs.
“Along with scans and surgery that will be required to fix Copper’s spinal problem, the vet’s bills alone are going to hit nearly £4,000. Any amount donated will make a huge difference to our wonderful dog’s rehabilitation.”
Copper, who retired from the army in 2014, lives with Adrian and his wife Amanda, and their twins Liam and Jessica, 12.
His developing conditions mean he may need to be fitted with metal plates along his legs or he could suffer lameness later in life.
Kelsea Little, spokesperson for GoFundMe.com, said: “Copper’s military background is very impressive, and the support shown on his GoFundMe campaign to help him during his time of need is a true testament to the impact he has had on so many people’s lives.
“We’re very proud to be able to provide a platform that allows brave animals like Copper to receive life-changing treatment.”
Visit www.gofundme.com/coppervets to support Copper and the Proffitt family.
