A BELOVED basset hound should soon undergo a pioneering operation - much to the delight of his devoted owner.

Heather-Jane Thomson, 34, from Grudisburgh, near Woodbridge, has a rare chromosomal abnormality that causes her to suffer from dementia.

Her basset hound Bumble Bee is her best friend and provides a vital source of comfort and reassurance. But the playful pup, which has just turned one, was born with a club foot which meant it found it difficult to walk and was in danger of being put down.

As a result Heather-Jane’s mother, Vicky Thomson-Carr, launched an appeal to raise the money needed for three operations.

Fundraising efforts have been gong well and Bumble Bee has been making regular visits to Surrey based vet Noel Fitzpatrick, who specialises in creating artificial limbs for animals and has been featured in a BBC documentary.

An operation to fit a new shoulder is likely to take place within the next few weeks, while a new bionic leg is also being designed. After the initial operation Bumble Bee will receive 24 hour round the clock care for eight weeks.

Mrs Thomson-Carr said: “Bumble has grown into an amazing dog. The operation is going to be truly pioneering. The surgery has never been attempted before so Bumble will be a world first. Without the shoulder you can’t have the leg. We’re hoping the operation will be in the next couple of weeks.”

Mr Fitzpatrick is performing the surgery on a “cost only” basis and will not charge for his services but the family still need to raise around �7,000. Mrs Thomson-Carr said they were grateful to everyone who had supported the cause so far, especially the Whitworth Veterinary Practice in Trimley St Mary.

If you would like to help email

bumblebionicpaw@hotmail.co.uk or donations can be sent, payable to “Bumble Bionic Paw”, to Bumble Bee Appeal Office, 18 Bailey Avenue, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 2EE.