AN IRVINE woman has launched a desperate plea for members of the public to help save her pet dog's life.

Bethany Holland's pet pooch Oscar suffered a cruciate ligament injury earlier this year after he fell down a set of stairs at the beach.

This has left the spaniel in desparate need of surgery - and Bethany says that unless he is treated, she may be left with no option but to put Oscar to sleep "as he will be in constant pain".

The pair have been through a lot in their time together, including a spell of homelessness.

Bethany said that Oscar "saved my life" and now it is "my turn to save his".

In her social media appeal, Bethany said: "Oscar is my baby, he means everything to me and I can’t lose him."

Bethany says she has been left unable to obtain insurance for her pet because of Oscar's previous injuries - prompting her to set up an online fundraiser.

Bethany says she is not working at the moment, and only last year she and her partner had a new baby, meaning it has become impossible to finance the surgery herself.

On her GoFundMe page, Bethany explained: " I’ve been through to every vet school in Scotland, pet charities, loans and I just can’t get help with this or I wouldn’t be posting this today.  

"If Oscar doesn’t get the surgery, we will most likely have to put him down as he will be in constant pain.

"Oscar is my life. We have been homeless together, he’s saved my life in so many ways and now it’s my turn to save his, and I can’t do this alone.

"I’m begging anyone, if you can help me in anyway even by just sharing this post, I’d gratefully appreciate it help me save my baby."

Bethany is looking to raise £3,500 for the surgery that Oscar requires, and says she needs to raise the money by January 31.

More than 60 generous donors have helped raise £770 so far, and Bethany says she is extremely grateful for all contributions, or of anyone sharing her story if they are unable to contribute.

She added: "I totally understand that this is such a difficult time for everyone, but I'm just not ready to let go of my baby, not yet."

For anyone interested in helping with fund-raising for Oscar's surgery, you can find Bethany's gofundme page at tinyurl.com/OscarsSurgery.