Man’s best friend on road to recovery

As his owner continues to make small steps in his journey back to health, Scooby the Great Dane is getting ready for some medical treatment of his own.

Life changed dramatically for Nelson man John Cumming last year after he suffered a massive heart attack and brain haemorrhage at work.

With a long road to recovery ahead, John’s wife Joss said the couple were still taking things one day at a time.

‘‘Very slow at present – John’s very fatigued.’’

Family celebrations have kept John’s spirits up, including being groomsman for his brother’s wed- ding in Levin a few weeks ago.

On Friday, they received a huge morale boost in the form of season ticket passes for The Nelson Giants 2017 NBL games.

The Cummings have shared these small victories with Scooby – a familiar sight with friends and neighbours around the Brook Valley area.

Although proving beneficial in patient recovery, the giant dog is now in need of treatment of his own through an eye operation which Joss said would cost between $700 – $1000.

Despite the delicate balancing act required to look after him while John convalesces, the decision was made to keep Scoobya, having seen the therapeutic effects of dogs with patients in Wellington’s intensive care unit.

However, Joss acknowledged Scooby’s massive frame and often exuberant nature could sometimes be a hazardous combination.

‘‘Scooby accidentally ran and jumped up on me at the park yesterday, and his head hit my face, yep you guessed it, my nose is broken again,’’ she said.