Hartlebury Common memorial walk for golden retriever Maisy

Lynne Gallagher lost her dog, Maisy, earlier this year and is working to raise awareness of the condition to prevent other dog owners from losing their pets unnecessarily. 

She said: "I lost my Golden Retriever, Maisy on Feb 2, 2022 from an autoimmune disorder.

Memorial for Maisy the golden retriever

"She was only three and a half.

"I created a Facebook page called 'AITP & Lepto Awareness in Dogs' as I wanted to raise awareness of this condition.

"The disorder is called Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia (AITP).

"We did not know Maisy had this condition until the day that she had to be put to sleep.

"She had no platelets to make her blood clot or no white blood cells to prevent infection.

"She had massive internal bleeding in her body which went into her brain.

Dog walk in memory of Maisy

"I wanted to do something positive so any other dog owners were aware of the symptoms."

Mrs Gallagher, from Halesowen, had wanted to do a memory walk for Maisy so thought that the event would be a good way to combine that with raising awareness for AITP.

She felt that the walk was a success, despite some people potentially being put off by the weather. 

The walk took place on Sunday, May 1 at 2pm at Hartlebury Common.

Mrs Gallagher added: "Everyone enjoyed it and met new friends. 

"The people that went were very supportive.

"The more people know the better so more awareness is raised."

Mrs Gallagher shared her gratitude for those who turned up on her social media.

She said: "Thank you to everyone that came for Maisy's memory walk today.

"The weather wasnt too good on the way to the Common but Maisy did her magic and it was dry and warm for nearly two hours.

Lynne Gallagher walking in memory of Maisy

"Thank you to everyone who sent lovely messages and prayers for Maisy.

"It means so much to me.

"I met lots of lovely doggies and their owners.

"I really do appreciate you all taking the time to join us to remember Maisy."