HELGA the gorgeous therapy dog is used to helping others, but now she is in need of some special but expensive TLC herself.

As a therapy dog the two-and-a-half year old Australian labradoodle is used to brightening up other people’s lives and making them feel better.

Sadly, her owner Bonnie Hardy, of Fore Street, Bishopsteignton, has had to launch an appeal for a potentially life saving operation.

Bonnie says: ‘Helga is the love of my life! I trained her up as a therapy dog to come into homes for adults with learning disabilities.

‘Sadly she had a deformity from birth that has meant that her front leg will eventually give way.

‘One of her siblings from the same litter was put down at a young age due to the same condition.

‘Helga appeared to be coping well with the deformity, but now needs surgery to correct her leg as she is in pain.

‘The vet’s have said this would cost in the region of £6,000to £7,000 and sadly she is not eligible for insurance due to the condition being a birth defect.

‘While I’ve never done anything like this before I’m hoping to raise enough money to save Helga and give her the full and happy life she deserves and so she can continue to help others.

I manage a small group of supported living homes for young adults with learning disabilities, autism and Down’s syndrome.

‘I trained Helga up as a therapy dog and she has been working in services for around a year and a half.

‘Many of those we support love animals, and having this time with Helga is not only therapeutic but also a great comfort when someone may be finding a situation difficult such as a meeting or difficult conversation.’

Helga works at Advance support and enabling, based in Exeter.

‘If you can give, even just a little, we would be forever grateful!

‘If I can raise the money for surgery, I hope to be able to share the journey with you all.’

To view the GoFundMe appeal for Helga visit: https://gf.me/v/c/b6wx/orthopaedic-surgery-for-helga