Dolly needs help for dental work

Thursday 10 February 2022

A fundraising effort is underway for Dolly, a popular therapy pony, who is in need of specialist and expensive dental work.

In recent months, health concerns have forced the 12-year-old Miniature Shetland temporarily to stop her visits to care homes, hospitals, clubs and schools.

Dolly’s owner, Sophie Veron, has already spent over £1,000 on investigative treatment.

“Unfortunately, Dolly has not been well for the last few months," said Ms Veron. "She started with a runny nose and seemed depressed.

“The vet was suspicious that the problem might be a tooth root abscess. She has had x-rays, her teeth rasped and a course of antibiotics to no avail.”

Dolly’s small stature means that she requires treatment from a specialist veterinary dentist from the UK. The specialist is due to travel to Guernsey today - 10 February - and hopefully start providing the treatment she needs.

But the cost of the treatment is likely to be in excess of £3,500. 

Pictured: Ms Veron hopes that a dental specialist who is in the island today will help to start putting right Dolly's health concerns of recent months.

Ms Veron runs the registered charity Sophie’s Smile Ponies, which takes Dolly on community visits free of charge, including to the elderly and sick.

“Sophie’s Smile Ponies has relied on donations and sponsorship since we started our community visits three years ago.

“Dolly has become a familiar face around the island and brings a lot of smiles to people’s faces. What she lacks in height, she makes up with her big heart.

"It would be great to get her feeling better so she can go back to helping the community.”

You can contribute to Dolly's treatment by clicking through to her online fundraising campaign HERE.

Pictured: Dolly the Miniature Shetland pony