A cute cocker spaniel with two shocker ankles has been given a second chance at life.
Joey, a shaggy-eared snuggler who will turn two in July, was "a heartbeat away from not being here" last month when his heartbroken owners took him in for euthanasia.
The couple, who are pensioners, were unable to manage the lengthy rehabilitation and $13,000 bill attached to fixing Joey's bilateral cruciate ligament and eyelid issues.
But the vet stepped in last minute and made a call to North East Animal Sanctuary founder Michelle Jesson, who's been looking after him ever since.
"The vets rang us and said can you take Joey on ... they know when they ring us we will say yes because that's just what we do," she said.
"His knee keeps slipping out so they've got to go in there ... I'm not sure of the technical term but they have to plate it.
"In the morning [June 26] he'll go for his first surgery and that'll take three months to recover from that rehab. Then he'll go for the second lot of surgery and that's anther three months, and then he'll get his eyelids ... they turn in a bit and they scratch his eyes and can cause ulcers."
Joey's situation has prompted a heartwarming show of community support.
Mowbray Veterinary Clinic will cover the cost of anaesthesia, and the specialist will perform surgery at a discounted price, cutting about $4000 off the bill.
Legana's Cafe Romero - who helped save a lost microbat in March - have also thrown their weight behind the cause.
Since learning of Joey's situation via Facebook last week, owners Paul and Larissa Kaine have donated $1 from every drink sold in store and at their Evandale Market coffee truck.
They've raised just shy of $3000.
"I thought 'we've got to do something to help' because we're animal people, we've got a really soft spot for all animals," Mr Kaine said.
"We've asked nearly every customer that's approached us and 99 per cent have been willing to help - we've had donations up to $100 notes .. we've been really impressed.
"We're just happy to try and see him get better."
The sanctuary will continue taking donations for Joey's surgery via its Facebook page.
And early next year, once his rehabilitation is done, Joey will be ready for a new home.
"We want to wait for all these surgeries and make sure he's ready to go and has no more issues before he gets rehomed," Mrs Jesson said.
"It will be probably in seven months' time."
