Heartbreaking news as Emneth dog Waffle dies

The family of Waffle the cockapoo shot in the face with a 12bore shotgun have been left heartbroken after he died on a vet's operating table.

Waffle was shot after he jumped a dyke at the bottom of the family's garden in Emneth into an orchard on Tuesday May 11.

His owner Jodie Lee had let him out at around 6am for his morning wee when three-year-old Waffle spotted a rabbit and gave chase.

He disappeared into the orchard and was gone only minutes before returning bloodied having been shot at close range in the face.

A Gofundme page was launched by neighbour, Debs Bleathman, to help cover the mounting vets' bill and £3,190 was raised.

Waffle lost his left eye as the result of the incident, which is being investigated by police, and was undergoing an operation to help the wound to heal - the third in a matter of days - when sadly his little body gave up while under the anaesthetic on Friday (21).

Debs broke the news via the Gofundme page and said: "It is with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart that I must impart the saddest of news.

"Waffle was under anaesthetic having his wound seen to by the vets when his little body gave up.

"All pet owners know there are risks with general anaesthetic and poor Waffle had been through three in the last week. As a young, fit dog he was well placed to deal with the trauma of a general anaesthetic, but even the strongest dog can run out of steam.

"His family are, obviously, devastated especially since just yesterday Waffle had been happily playing with his toys, trotting round the garden and generally enjoying life. Maybe there's the message - love every minute of life while you have it.

"Waffle's family have asked me to thank everyone who had read his story, who has shared it, and who have kindly donated. Your kindness has been a great comfort to them during the darkest of times."

Read more: Horror as dog loses eye after being shot in face with a 12 bore in Fenland orchard