Wally, a spirited six-year-old Lurcher known for his boundless energy and affectionate nature, never expected a stroll on his local marsh to become a nightmare. When he unexpectedly collided with a concealed rusty metal pole, the aftermath tested not just his strength but the unwavering commitment of his rescuer, Grace Rose-Gale.
Grace, 28, a Rehabilitation, Training and Behaviour Advisor from Bridgwater, has dedicated her life to helping animals in distress. Yet when her own beloved rescue dog required urgent, complex medical care, her professional and personal worlds collided in a deeply emotional ordeal.
“I still get emotional thinking about that day,” Grace shared. “It was my worst nightmare. I’m incredibly grateful Wally is still with me—it could have ended so differently.”
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The accident happened during what should have been a routine walk by the beach. Wally, chasing a burst of energy, plunged into long grass where the short, rusty metal pole was hidden from view. The impact caused a deep wound near his groin, an area difficult to treat due to constant movement.
With adrenaline pumping, Grace rushed him to an emergency vet 20 minutes away. That night’s surgery was just the beginning. Over the following weeks, Wally’s wound reopened multiple times, leading to further surgeries and an agonizing path of recovery.
The ordeal quickly became as financially draining as it was emotionally exhausting. Vet bills soared past £14,000, far exceeding the £7,000 covered by Wally’s pet insurance. Urged by her sister, Grace turned to a GoFundMe campaign—a step she never imagined taking.
“It was very uncomfortable asking for help, but I’m so glad I did,” she admits. The campaign raised over £4,000, easing some of the financial burden and inspiring an outpouring of solidarity from friends, family, and strangers alike.
Through restless nights, Grace remained steadfast by Wally’s side, sleeping downstairs beside him on orthopedic dog mattresses and monitoring his every need. Despite his usual fear of vet visits, Wally’s resilience shone through – a testament to their unbreakable bond and the care of the dedicated staff at Blake Vets.
“The veterinary team didn’t just treat him—they formed a real bond,” Grace says. “He even gets excited to see his surgeon now, which is incredible given what he’s endured.”
Wally’s recovery means a temporary halt to his usual adventures—no woodland runs, beach sprints, or horseback companions. Instead, it’s been an intense regimen of wound care, quiet companionship, and gentle enrichment.
“He means the world to me,” Grace says. “He’s been my rock through tough times; now, I’m determined to be his.”
Grace’s passion for rescue runs deep. Raised in a family devoted to animal welfare, she’s cared for everything from horses to hens, fueling her commitment to giving vulnerable creatures a second chance. When Wally arrived as a stray puppy, Grace’s immediate connection was undeniable.
“Adopting Wally changed my life,” she reflects. “We’ve shared so much joy and now, this difficult journey has only strengthened our bond.”
Though healing continues—and complications remain—Grace remains hopeful. “Just today, one of his stitches came undone. We still have a way to go, but we’re getting there.”
She encourages continued support for Wally’s fund, emphasizing that any excess will be donated to animal charities. With the unwavering kindness of her community and unwavering love for her dogs, Grace looks forward to brighter days ahead.
“Soon, it’ll be walks again—rain or shine,” she smiles. “You don’t realize how much you miss it until it’s gone.”
For those considering a furry friend, Grace’s message is clear: adopt, rescue, and experience the unmatched joy of giving a second chance.
And her reflection on the financial realities? “I can’t stress enough how important pet insurance is. Vet bills can escalate quickly, as mine did, topping £14,000 in under two months. Thanks to insurance and incredible support, we made it through.”