A couple from Norfolk have made the heart-wrenching decision to cancel their upcoming wedding, choosing instead to redirect their savings towards fighting their dog's cancer diagnosis.
A Devastating Diagnosis for a 'Furry Child'
Lindsey Moore, 30, and Chris Bennett, 33, from Thorpe St Andrew, were planning their spring wedding for May 23. Their plans were shattered last month when their four-year-old black Labrador, Gus, began having trouble walking. A CT scan revealed a soft tissue sarcoma that had spread across his pelvis, a tumour too risky to operate on.
The couple, who have been together since they were 15, describe Gus as their child. Ms Moore explained that due to fertility issues, including an ectopic pregnancy and endometriosis, having their own biological child would be "extremely difficult." "From that day, Chris and I decided to get a dog. He’s my baby and I love him," she said.
The Staggering Financial Burden of Pet Care
The treatment plan for Gus involves a course of radiotherapy costing £12,000, alongside monthly injections and treatments totalling around £1,200. He may also require chemotherapy, the cost of which is still unknown. While they have pet insurance, it has an annual limit of £10,000, which will be quickly exhausted.
"We’ve had to commit £8,000 of our own money already. That’s why we had to cancel the wedding," said Ms Moore. The couple hope to recoup some of the £3,500 already spent on venue deposits, decorations, and other wedding essentials, but all plans are now on hold.
Mr Bennett, an HGV driver, described the emotional toll: "When I found out, I sat in the same chair for three days, staring out of the window in shock. I didn’t sleep for four days."
Navigating a Crisis and Seeking Support
Gus's symptoms first appeared as a slight limp six weeks ago. Initially treated for a potential muscle strain, he collapsed on a walk ten days later, leading to the urgent referral and scan. He is now receiving bisphosphate injections every six weeks at £800 per session, alongside costly blood tests and other medications.
The couple have set up a GoFundMe page aiming to raise £10,000 towards the treatment, which has so far gathered just over £500. Their story comes amid a wider investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority into veterinary bills, after prices for pet treatments rose by 63% between 2016 and 2023.
Despite the prognosis, the couple remain focused on Gus's quality of life. "He still wants to play and walk. He’s still got a zest for life," said Mr Bennett. "If he was older or looking at us in a way that said he was in too much pain we’d of course do what’s right for him."
