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Man suffers 80 seizures a day after therapy dog killed in hit-and-run

The owner of a therapy dog killed in a hit-and-run has been left suffering up to 80 seizures a day due to the “inconsolable” grief brought on by the magnitude of his loss.

Gizmo was struck by the driver of a four-wheel drive on Pialba-Burrum Heads Road in Burrum Heads, in Queensland’s Fraser Coast Region, on Monday last week.

The driver didn’t stop and Gizmo, who had escaped from his home nearby, died on the way to the vet.

His owner, Ray Borg, suffers from epilepsy and Gizmo, his “shadow”, provided him with vital therapy by laying on his chest when he was having a seizure.

Ray Borg and Gizmo pictured together prior to the brazen hit-and-run. Source: GoFundMe/A New Dog to Provide Therapy For Ray
Ray Borg and Gizmo pictured together prior to the brazen hit-and-run. Source: GoFundMe/A New Dog to Provide Therapy For Ray

Since losing his “little best friend”, Mr Borg has been “inconsolable” and his seizures have “doubled” in frequency.

“He’s devastated to say the least. [He’s] having out of control seizures due to the stress of it all,” Mr Borg’s wife Sarah told Nine.

A GoFundMe page has now been established in support of him, as “it's clear Ray needs a new dog for therapy”.

The page, created by Mr Borg’s niece Ratea Dart, stated the current coronavirus crisis had seen prices for dogs like Gizmo inflate to over $6000.

Gizmo shown on the road before being struck by the vehicle and dying. Source: Nine News
Gizmo shown on the road before being struck by the vehicle and dying. Source: Nine News

“Due to COVID-19 the demand and prices for small dogs like Gizmo has risen dramatically, making them harder to come by and much more expensive,” the page read.

“Enquires made to various breeders regarding available pups had them quoting prices upwards of $6000 each. A cost the family can't afford at the moment.”

Ms Dart urged people to “please help if you can and let's get Ray a new best friend to help his epilepsy”, adding that any money left over would be donated to a local charity.

Gizmo and Mr Borg together when the pup was young. Source: GoFundMe/A New Dog to Provide Therapy For Ray
Gizmo and Mr Borg together when the pup was young. Source: GoFundMe/A New Dog to Provide Therapy For Ray

Nearly $3000 has been raised of the fund’s $7,500 goal in just five days.

“Words can’t express how angry I am, there was no reason why this person wouldn’t stop,” Erika Dines, who witnessed the hit, told Nine.

Mrs Borg pleaded with the driver to “front up” and at the very least, offer Mr Borg an apology.

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