THE owner of a dog who starred in a local theatre production is appealing to raise money after her pet fell and broke his ankle in three places.

Bertie the dog, who played the role Sandy in Norbury Theatre’s production of the musical Annie, injured his paw during a ‘freak accident.’

Bertie fell off a ledge onto concrete steps and broke his paw while walking at Witley Court, the day after appearing in Annie.

Due to the complexity of the injury, Bertie will require specialist orthopaedic surgery which will cost £10,000, with only £4,000 covered by insurance.

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Owner of the dog actor Bertie, Rachel Checketts is appealing to raise money to help fund his surgery.

Mrs Checketts said: “Our beautiful furbaby Bertie boy has had a freak accident and really needs your help. It’s been a nightmare.

“Due to the severity of the breaks, the ligament damage and the technicality of the operation it requires specialist surgery. The prognosis with this orthopaedic surgeon is very good and Bertie’s only real hope of a decent recovery.”

Seven-year-old Bertie is now in Willows Veterinary Centre in Solihull and is waiting for his operation.

Mrs Checketts, aged 42, from St John’s, in Worcester added: “We are heartbroken he is having to go through this especially as Bertie looks so sad and his tail has not wagged once in 24 hours. He is like a therapy dog. He brings a lot of smiles to a lot of faces.

“I can’t believe we have gone from such an amazing high of Bertie performing as Sandy in the musical Annie to such a sad, painful and worrying low. Bertie means the world to his family and friends and brings joy to everyone he meets.”

Mrs Checketts says members from the Norbury Theatre team, based in Friar Street, Droitwich, worship Bertie. Bertie had been rehearsing for his role in the classical production of Annie since April.

Within 16 hours of launching the appeal already £905 had been raised.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachel-checketts