Fundraiser launched in memory of tragic Sheffield pet Axel raises thousands in days

Sheffield has proven itself a city of animal lovers as residents flocked to donate to the page, set up in memory of eight-year-old German Shepherd ‘Axel’.

The much-loved pooch sparked an urgent search appeal when he went missing from Rother Valley Country Park on January 10, with a reward offered by Swallownest-based 2Roost Estate Agents for his safe return.

But his family were left devastated when Axel’s body was discovered a week later.

Tracey Birch, of Beighton, spoke out on behalf of her sister and Axel’s heartbroken owner, Dawn, who described the pet as ‘her life and soul’.

She said: “Everyone just feels numb. We are saddened to say that Axel was found in a farmer’s field close to the iron bridge at Rother Valley.”

But she added: “We want to say thank you to everyone who has helped us search for Axel – I can’t believe all the support we’ve had.

“It has really touched peoples’ hearts. There have been people from all over the country getting in touch with us and we have been inundated with flowers.”

The cause of Axel’s death is currently uncertain, and it is hoped that funds raised from the Just Giving page will cover the costs of a post-mortem so that the family can finally have ‘closure’.

You can donate to the Just Giving page by clicking here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mandy-pearson