A BIG Issue seller whose dog saved him from alcoholism has thanked the charity which sponsored her medication.
Steve Trigg was drinking seven litres of sherry a day, but when his faithful pet Charlie had puppies, he decided to beat the booze so he could be a better owner.
The pair have been inseparable for three-and-a-half years, but had a scare when the collie-cross dog began suffering from anaemia, an iron deficiency.
Mr Trigg was facing vet bills of £110-a-fortnight for the medication his pet needed over the course of eight weeks, but the Dogs’ Trust stepped in to help.
The 48-year-old, of East Oxford, said he was “very grateful”.
He said: “I think the world of my dog, she’s such a lovely little thing and only three years old. She doesn’t deserve to be ill like this.”
Father-of-three Mr Trigg and Charlie are a regular fixture outside the Marks & Spencer store in Queen Street, where he sells the Big Issue and she warmly greets passers-by.
But for Mr Trigg, she is more than just a companion. He said: “She was the one who got me off the drink. When she had puppies and I was looking after 11 dogs and I realised I couldn’t do that as well as the drink.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article