"He is bumping into things because he doesn't see them. He needs to be able to have fun like any dog, not be stuck inside because he can't see anymore."
The surgery isn't cheap, says Sonja, and the nearest place he can have it done is in Feilding. A vet there, Craig Irving, is one of three Specialist Veterinary Ophthalmologists in New Zealand.
To help raise the $3500 for the surgery, plus additional money needed to cover Sonja's travel and accommodation, she is holding a fundraising evening in Eltham this month.
"It's an In the Bag evening, plus there will be a silent auction and some raffles on the night."
Tickets for the event at $10 each and need to be purchased in advance, she says.
"Although there will be some limited door sales on the night."
The ticket includes tea, coffee, juice and snacks, she says, and there will be prices for Best Dressed Farmer and Best Fred Dagg lookalike.
Items for the silent auction are already on display in the window of 57 Bridge Street, Eltham.
Sonja is also running a children's colouring in competition for children, which costs $2 per entry.
"I really want Tigger to be able to see again, so am asking people to support the fundraising in any way they can," says Sonja.
■ It's in the bag: Friday, November 29. Anglican Church Hall, 90 King Edward Street, Eltham. Doors open 6pm, 6.30pm start. 410 per ticket. Cash only on night, no eftpos. Raffles will be $2 per ticket, three tickets for $5.
Text or phone Sonja on 0204 008 7276 for more information or to buy tickets.
Colouring competition: Age groups are 0-6 years and 7-12 years. $2 per entry. Entries close November 23 at 12.30pm. Prize giving is Saturday, November 30 at the Old McDonald's Farm Building at the Stratford A&P Show. Entry forms available from the Stratford A&P Showgrounds, secretary's office.
