Littleborough Rallies to Save Cooper
Littleborough has once again shown the depth of its compassion, coming together in extraordinary fashion to help fund life‑saving surgery for Cooper, a much‑loved rescue dog belonging to local resident Kirsty Greenwood.
Cooper, affectionately known as the “King of the Hills”, has been part of Kirsty’s life for seven years after being rescued from Spain. Earlier this month, Kirsty shared an emotional post in the Discuss Littleborough Facebook group explaining that a growth previously believed to be a harmless wart had rapidly worsened. The mass had burst, grown to the size of an egg, and was confirmed by a senior vet to be cancerous. Without urgent surgery, the window to safely remove it was closing.
Alongside the large mass, two additional lumps had recently appeared and were being monitored. The estimated cost for surgery and testing was £1,053.21- a figure Kirsty simply could not afford after unexpectedly being given notice on her home. For someone known for organising fundraisers and helping others, asking for help herself was heartbreaking.
What happened next was nothing short of remarkable.
Within just 90 minutes, Littleborough residents rallied together, donating, sharing, and sending messages of support. Not only was the target reached - an extra £235 was raised on top. This meant Cooper’s surgery could be booked immediately, and with the additional funds, vets hoped to remove the other lumps during the same procedure.
By 16 June, after further consultation, Kirsty confirmed that the senior vet was happy to remove all three lumps. A new estimate of £1,328.46 meant the community had raised exactly the amount needed. “I genuinely feel like someone is looking out for him up there,” Kirsty wrote. “Everything has aligned perfectly for Coops.”
On Thursday morning, Cooper was dropped off at Wendy Lanes Vets. Kirsty described feeling “anxious beyond words,” but Cooper, true to his nature, was in high spirits. By mid‑afternoon, he was safely home.
The vets confirmed it had been a big surgery, but Cooper handled it incredibly well. Not only were the original mass and two known lumps removed - surgeons discovered and successfully removed a third lump during the operation. Samples have now been sent for testing, and the community is keeping everything crossed for positive results.
The hours after surgery were difficult, with Cooper distressed from medication, but he eventually settled into much‑needed cuddles with Kirsty. “Truth be told, I needed them too,” she shared.
Just two days later, Cooper was already showing signs of returning to his loving, happy self. A follow‑up appointment is scheduled to ensure his healing is on track.
In true Littleborough fashion, Cooper hasn’t just received medical help - he’s been showered with kindness. Locals have gifted him new teddies (his beloved “babies”) and enough treats to last a lifetime.
Kirsty has promised full transparency, with all veterinary bills to be uploaded to the JustGiving page. Any remaining funds will be donated to Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, continuing the cycle of community kindness.
Throughout her updates, Kirsty has expressed overwhelming gratitude: “At a time when I felt helpless, you all came together for Cooper and gave him the chance to get the surgery he urgently needs. Your kindness means more than you’ll ever know.”
Littleborough has once again proven that its strength lies in its people - neighbours who show up, rally together, and make miracles happen.
Cooper’s road to recovery continues, but thanks to the community that loves him, he’s fighting with every ounce of his famously determined spirit.
And somewhere in Littleborough, a brave rescue dog is resting with his new teddies, keeping his “paw promise” to outlive the oldest ever short‑haired German Pointer.