A PET lover is desperate to save her two-year-old dog Susie from going blind.

Pauline Evans, of Winsford, says her Jack Russell cross needs an operation that will cost around £1,000 and she is appealing for financial help.

The 43-year-old, who suffers panic attacks, says Susie is her saviour and like a child to her.

Pauline said: "Cataract at this time of life. It's a real shame.

"People have said to me I should have had insurance but you don't expect to see blindness in a mongrel at such a young age.

"Susie is such a lovable and friendly pet. She's always on your knee and I couldn't bear to see this happen to her.

"Up until a couple of weeks ago I didn't know anything was wrong. I took her to the vets in Weaver Street because she kept bumping into things and walking into doors.

"She's got 10 per cent vision in one eye and 50 per cent in the other. But now it's getting worse.

Pauline explained why Susie is so important to her.

"I have no children and she's like my baby," she said.

"I have panic attacks and she's my little escape route. She keeps me going.

"I'm desperate to raise money to pay for the operation. It's £1,000. Without the op I think it would only be a matter of months before she goes blind."

IF you would like to make a donation, Pauline can be contacted on 01606 860909.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.