A Kiwi man has found a sweet way to raise money to help his beloved staffy live out the rest of his years.
Hayden Walker, of Mt Maunganui, is selling honey to collect funds so his dog 'Boi' can start living life to the fullest again.
Staffies usually live between 12 and 14 years, so seven-year-old Boi still has a wee way to go yet.
But he's spent the past few years in pain, and his condition is worsening.
Boi has a growth on his vertebrae, which restricts his movement - causing him so much discomfort where he is unable to walk.
Walker told Newshub Boi needs injections every three months and has to take painkillers regularly.
"He's a staffy man - he loves the beach, he loves other dogs," Walker told Newshub.
"At the moment he's on 10 minute walks every three days.
"He's just not living the full life that he should be."
It's heartbreaking for Walker to watch his beloved Boi in so much pain. He says he just wants to see him running down the beach again.
Through a friend, he's managed to obtain a large amount of honey to sell-on, so he can raise enough to cover Boi's $7000 surgery.
Walker said he wanted to raise money where he was giving something back to the community, instead of starting a Givealittle page.
Boi has been there for him through the good times, and the bad, Walker said.
"He's my best friend - it's hard to explain," he said.
"They [dogs] just become part of the family."
For Walker, it's a special opportunity to see Boi live life to the fullest again. He said the generosity he's already received meant a great deal.
"It truly means a lot to me and my dog - they've [the community] made this thing a whole lot easier, to help Boi get to where he needs to be. It's just given me a little bit of faith in humanity."
A concrete truck driver, Walker spends Sundays parked up on the side of the road, or at local markets selling the honey. He's also utilising any other days off he has.
One-kilogram of honey can be purchased from Walker for $20. More information can be found on his Facebook fundraising page.
Newshub.
