THE life-or-death story of a critically-ill dog has inspired a national charity appeal.

Bobby, a seven-year-old Border Collie-cross, collapsed with a mystery illness shortly before Christmas last year and spent days receiving intensive care until he was well enough to go home. Now his story is being told by national charity PDSA, whose veterinary team on Acklam Road saved his life.

Bobby’s story and photos are featuring in PDSA’s Christmas fundraising activity across the UK, and form the basis for the charity’s Christmas TV advert.

Bobby’s owner, Jill Atkinson of Thornaby, said: “I couldn’t thank PDSA enough for saving Bobby’s life. He was my Christmas miracle last year, so when I was asked if Bobby could be the star of their Christmas appeal I was so pleased. It means that more pets will get life-saving treatment, just like Bobby did.”

PDSA Vet, Olivia Anderson-Nathan, said: “We do everything we can to save the lives of much-loved pets like Bobby, but it’s only because of public donations that we can continue our vital work in communities like Middlesbrough. By sharing Bobby’s story, we hope to raise funds for PDSA’s 48 Pet Hospitals across the UK, which care for thousands of pets every single day.”

To donate to PDSA’s Christmas appeal and help make more miracles happen, call 0800 0199 166 or visit www.pdsa.org.uk/miracle