Busselton community rallies to cover vet bills for senior high school’s golden retriever mascot — Auggie

The Busselton community have rallied to help cover the vet bills for the Busselton Senior High School’s golden retriever mascot, Auggie. After accidentally swallowing a tennis ball, Auggie had to be rushed to a vet hospital in Perth to save his life, racking up more than $25,000 in vet bills for his owner Hugh Gray. In response, a GoFundMe page has been created to help cover Auggie’s vet bills, already raising more than $6000 in a little more than a week. Fundraiser organiser and former student Khulia Weston said Auggie was an “absolute bundle of joy”, beloved by the entire school. “I graduated a few years ago and school wasn’t the most fun thing, but having Auggie there and being around him just made the days so much better,” she said. “He just brightens everyone’s day.” Auggie visits the school every Friday with Mr Gray, the school’s gardener, helping him with his work and interacting with students and visitors. “It’s been about three Friday’s where Auggie hasn’t been there, and it is definitely noticeable,” Ms Weston said. “Everyone loves him — he, without a doubt, brightens everyone’s day. As the school just continues to grow, you can imagine hundreds of students and the teachers all loving Auggie — he helps everyone.” Ms Weston said the response from the community towards Auggie’s situation had been astounding, with donations continuing to flow in. “It’s quite overwhelming with how much everyone is willing to help,” she said. “Honestly you could be going through the worst time, and just seeing Auggie and being around Auggie, it would make you feel so much better.” To help cover Auggie’s vet bills, visit www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-bring-auggie-home.