Legacy honour for Roxy

Grace with Frank Conyon, Ena Conyon and volunteer Margaret Dowie. Pic: FPA.

Money generously donated by dog-lovers in a bid to help save the life of a beggar's canine companion has gone to another worthwhile cause.

Roxy – the black and brown brindle Staffie who for many years was an ever-present fixture with owner Paul Flockhart at his regular spot just off the High Street in Kirkcaldy – captured the hearts of everyone who met her.

When word got out that she was seriously ill, well-wishers dug deep into their pockets and donated nearly £1000 to cover the cost of any treatments that could save her life.

Sadly, it was not to be. She was diagnosed with an enlarged spleen and cancer on her liver and when she started showing signs of suffering, the decision was made to let her slip away.

Grace meets some of the local residents. Pic: FPA

The fundraising for Roxy proved a massive success.

Kirkcaldy woman Grace Stodders, who set up the crowdfunding page online to help Roxy, was overwhelmed with the support, with £600 donated overnight and the figure quickly reaching around £1000.

However, she had always said that if anything was left over from vet’s fees, it would be donated to an animal charity.

“I had originally thought the PDSA but we decided that it would be better to support a local charity helping dogs and chose Second Chance Kennels at Thornton,” she said.

She visited the kennels recently and handed over a cheque for £810.

“It was heartbreaking that Roxy couldn’t be saved but it’s been some consolation for Paul that some good has come out of something so sad,” Grace said.

“He was overwhelmed that so many people cared enough about Roxy both to donate money and also to stop and speak to him about it.”

Not everyone was supportive, however.

At the time Grace was disappointed by “vicious” comments left on the crowdfunding page about Paul and afterwards about what was happening to the money when Roxy could not be treated.

“I gave everyone the opportunity to get their money back if they didn’t want it going to a charity but in the end only one person asked for their £10 donation to be returned,” she said.

Second Chance Kennels in Thornton was founded by Ena and Frank Conyon with the aim of giving unwanted dogs a place be cared for until a new ‘forever’ home could be found.

It is funded entirely by donations and can take up to 14 dogs.

“This money from the people who gave to try and save Roxy is a welcome donation to Second Chance,” said Ena. “It will go towards our running costs, which can be very high with things like vet’s fees.”