KIND-HEARTED dog lovers have so far helped to raise more than £2,000 to pay for emergency surgery for a dog left to a family by their much-loved grandfather, who died seven years ago.

The Smith family in Westbury and their relatives in Trowbridge say they have been overwhelmed by the love, generosity and kindness shown by family, friends and perfect strangers in donating to their crowdfunding appeal.

The family’s 12-year-old Border Collie, Magic, which once belonged to ex-army veteran Clive ‘Biffo’ Smith, was injured in an accident during a family walk in the park last Monday.

Her owner, Victoria Smith, 32, a single mum with three children who are Biffo’s grandchildren, said: “Magic is 12 and While playing ball with her family, she sadly broke her back left leg in a number of places. Unfortunately, Magic is currently uninsured due to financial hardship.”

Because the family were unable to afford the vet’s fees, they launched an appeal to raise £4,000 for emergency surgery and ongoing treatment.

Miss Smith added: “We’re halfway there with £2,225 raised already! I can’t thank each and every one of you enough for all your love, donations and help spreading the word. We are forever grateful for all your support.

“I cannot thank you all enough for your kindness generosity and words of wellwishes. Much love to all and masses of gratitude and wellwishes to you all. Thank you.”

Her sister, Emma Plummer, 40, from Trowbridge, added: “Thank you all so far for your kindness and support, you all are amazing. We can keep a little bit of our dad in our lives because of Magic. Thank you everyone.”

Emma’s daughter, Katie Plummer, 19, who runs The Dog Cabin pet grooming business in Trowbridge, said the family have been overwhelmed by the donations made to their fundraising appeal.

“We are absolutely speechless. The love, support and kindness shown by the people who have donated is mind-blowing. The amounts that people have given is crazy. It’s just so nice of them.”

Magic originally belonged to Biffo Smith, a former member of the Royal Hampshire Regiment, who died after suffering a sudden heart attack while fishing off Chesil Beach in Dorset seven years ago. He was only 53.

After his death, Victoria took on Magic and the collie has lived with her three children, Chloe, 12, Sophie, nine, and Mollie, five, for the past few years.

Following the accident, Magic was taken to the Harris, Hill and Gibbons veterinary practice in Trowbridge for an examination. Vets said the only options were surgery to repair the fractures, amputate the leg, or put Magic to sleep.

Miss Plummer said: “Magic is a very healthy dog so the family decided against amputation and putting her to sleep. We decided to launch a crowdfunding appeal to see if we could raise the money for surgery.

“Magic is at home at the moment on painkillers but she is due to go for surgery on Monday. We have already paid £640, with a further £350 on credit, and will need more than £2,200 for the surgery, plus a further £250 for X-rays in eight-10 week’s time.”

To donate to the appeal, go to Crowdfunding to pay for Magic’s vet fees on JustGiving