Public appeal to fundraise for Jezza the dog

Pensioner Warren Wierenga loves his dog Jezza more than anything in the world. But a serious health condition and a number of surgeries has left his beloved pet with a huge vet bill. See how you can help.

Warren Wierenga and his beloved dog Jezza. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Eight years ago Warren Wierenga was asked to look after Jezza the dog for a few weeks.

But his owner never wanted the hound returned, and Mr Wierenga never looked back.

The 55-year-old Fairfield man is on a disability support pension and suffers from depression and anxiety.

He said if it wasn’t for Jezza, he’s not sure where he’d be.

“He’s been my inspiration to keep going with life and not get into trouble,” he said.

“If it wasn’t for Jezza I’d be lost.

“He’s been by my side wherever I go. He just doesn’t seem to want to go with anybody else.”

But the 9-year-old English Staffy cross Kelpie has osteoarthritis and had two ACLs repaired at Lort Smith Animal Hospital in the past 12 months.

Now Mr Wierenga has a $3600 bill to pay.

Mr Wierenga started a payment plan with the hospital but said he had to pawn some of his belongings to make ends meet.

Pet Medical Crisis, a charity which helps disadvantaged owners pay vet bills, donated $1000 towards Jezza’s ongoing medical bills and is now helping Mr Wierenga ask for public help.

Charity founder Jennifer Hunt said it was a “privilege” to be able to help preserve their “vital bond”.

“Warren has experienced hardship that most people will never experience and throughout Jezza has been his sole support,” she said.

‘I TALK TO HIM MORE THAN I TALK TO PEOPLE IN GENERAL’

Mr Wierenga said he didn’t like asking for money but needed help.

“I try to find cash-in-hand work but they’re few and far between,” he said.

“Lately I’ve had to do a bit of begging in the city.

“It’s really hard.”

With the bills already mounting, Jezza has to go into the vet to get an x-ray and has ongoing injections.

“I struggle fortnight to fortnight,” Mr Wierenga said.

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But there was never any doubt he would pay those bills.

“Back in the day when I was younger … he just kept me motivated and kept me out of trouble,” he said.

“I talk to him more than I talk to people in general.”

To make a tax-deductible donation to Jezza click here.

@richardapearce