Adorable puppy Norman was just 12 weeks old when he changed an autistic four-year-old's life for the better.
With his owners unable to find him a home, the little French Bulldog was described as the runt of his litter. But when he met young Nevaeh the pair instantly formed a special bond.
Since being adopted by the family nine months ago the loving pup has helped Nevaeh to calm down if she is struggling with her emotions. And has even prevented the youngster from self-harming.
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Neveah's mum, Kate Winter, said: "We thought we were rescuing him but in fact he rescued us."
The 30-year-old, from Cramlington, added: "When Neveah has meltdowns I hand her Norman and she'll sit there stroking him. If I say she's upsetting him she'll stop crying.
"I think it helps her with routine too because she's all about her routine. She'll get up in the morning and the first thing she does is let him out for a wee. Then she'll sit with him until her breakfast is ready.
"He's a real comfort to her and he really helps with her meltdowns."
Norman was adopted by Kate after becoming the only puppy in his litter who was unable to find his forever home. He was described as smaller and quieter than the rest of the litter and had "a bit of a weird tail".
"Nobody really wanted him. He was the only one left of the litter and nobody was showing any interest.", said Kate, who adopted Norman from her auntie after seeing the bond her daughter had formed with the pup.
But five months ago Norman began suffering frequent urethral prolapses and has had to undergo numerous sedations and stitches to try and hold it in place, as well as a castration. But sadly the one-year-old pup is still experiencing prolapses.
And now Kate claims that she has been told by her vet there is nothing more they can do for Norman, who suffered another prolapse earlier this week.
Kate said: "He prolapsed this week and I took him in and the vet pushed it back in and stitched it up but they said they would no longer put it back in place. So if it comes out today and I don't have the money or a vet to help he will be put to sleep."
She added: "When he's had to go to the vets and stay overnight Nevaeh's self-harmed and refused to go to bed and refused to go to school, so he obviously has a big impact on her. Much bigger than we ever thought."
The family is currently seeking advice from specialist vets and raising funds for any surgery which may be required to save Neveah's beloved dog. Kate has now set up a JustGiving page to help cover the cost of any treatment for Norman and has even contacted Channel 4's The Supervet in a desperate attempt to save the family pet.
If specialist vets say nothing more can be done to help Norman, refunds will be organised for the donations which have already been made.
Writing on her fundraiser page, Kate said: "Losing Norman who is an otherwise healthy dog is not an option for my daughter. He has helped her immensely and such an easy fix should not end in him losing his life.
"I would spend every penny and I've spent so much already but I can not afford the referral treatment price... Please save our Norman."
Donations towards Norman's treatment can be made via Kate's JustGiving page here.
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