Mercy operation launched for dog that saved his owner’s life

Ashburton photographer Brad MacDonald owes his life to his 11-month-old Alaskan malamute Qannik.

Early on Christmas morning 2009 a fire ripped through Mr MacDonald’s house as he lay sleeping. It was Qannik who roused him as smoke filled his room and the fire inched closed. 

The 29-year-old suffered from smoke inhalation and was treated in hospital.

“I owe my life to Qannik,’’ Mr MacDonald says. “If she hadn’t woken me when she did I wouldn’t be here today. She saved me.’’

Now, the tables are turned and it is Mr MacDonald who is battling to save Qannik.

After the fire Qannik started showing signs of lameness and discomfort in her hips. Mr MacDonald took her to a specialist vet in Christchurch who diagnosed her with severe hip dysplasia.

Like arthritis, hip dysplasia causes joints to swell and puts pressure on nerve endings. In most instances minor surgery can alleviate the pressure and the pain associated with swelling. But Qannik’s hip dysplasia is too severe and her only real option is to have her left and right hips replaced.

“This is the only way she’s going to get her life back,’’ Mr MacDonald says.

But the operation will cost about $20,000 – money Mr MacDonald does not have.

“More than anything I want to give Qannik this chance.  She was there for me when I needed her and saved my life. Now it’s my turn to take care of her. She doesn’t deserve to be in this pain and it breaks my heart to see her this way,’’ says Mr MacDonald.

To raise the money needed for Qannik’s operation, he and internationally renowned Ashburton painter Heather Sarin are staging an exhibition of their work next month. The exhibition will start with an auction of art works, 50% of Heather’s work and 100% of Brad’s work will go towards Qannik’s veterinary bills.

Heather Sarin is an acclaimed artist whose work is highly sought after, particularly in Europe where she lived for a number of years. She is now based in Ashburton, where she also works as an art tutor. Heather and her husband Ravinder have just opened the Heather Sarin Galerie which aims to promote local artists to a global audience.

“Brad is a talented student and when he told me the story about how Qannik had saved his life, I knew I had to do something to help him raise this money for Qannik’s operation. Brad’s got a very special bond with Qannik – that dog goes everywhere with him,’’ Heather says with a laugh.

As well as the art auction, there will be “meet Qannik days”. For more information on the exhibition, Qannik and how to meet her, Mr MacDonald has set up a website at www.bradmacdonald.co.nz

“I hate having to ask for money but Qannik needs this operation if she’s to have any chance of a normal life. And she deserves that.  She’s a gorgeous dog and means the world to me,’’ says Mr MacDonald.

People can make donations to Operation Qannik at any branch of the BNZ or purchase exhibition cards, prints, paintings and photographs at the Galerie at 51 Creek Road, Ashburton. Telephone 0212107152.