Dolly is recovering from the first of her operations

An appeal set up to raise cash for vital operations for a search dog reached its target in just five days, thanks to the generosity of the public.

Dolly’s owner and handler Nick Shepherd faced a vet’s bill of £8,000 for two procedures to help the dog back to full health, only £3,000 of which would be met by the Kinder Mountain Rescue Team member’s insurance as a member of the Search and Rescue Dogs Association.

A social media fundraiser set up by Dan Sells, along with donations to the team’s JustGiving page brought in enough cash for Dolly’s two operations in less than a week.

She is now recovering and will hopefully be back on active service after completion of her treatment. During her search career, she has taken part in more than 150 callouts with the Peak District team and further afield.

The Hayfield-based team said it was gobsmacked at the generosity of strangers who contributed to the appeal.

A spokesperson said: “It’s been an amazing success. You’ve all been truly amazing. We’re all very touched by your generosity.

“We are unbelievably grateful for all that you have done.

“Thank you to everyone that has supported us with this fundraiser, from sharing our posts far and wide, all the fantastic donations and lovely words of support for Nick and Dolly, and the kind offers of time and support to aid Dolly’s recovery.”

The search dog needed treatment to repair damage to her cruciate ligaments, sustained during her career helping mountain rescue volunteers find casualties.

Mr Sells said this week: “It’s been a week since Dolly’s operation, and by all accounts, she’s doing remarkably well.

“She’s already started to try to defy vet’s orders by trying to run and jump about. According to Nick, she’s moving better already following the first op.”