A Hamble family have told of their "heartbreak and devastation" after learning their Chihuahua only had nine months left to live.

Mum Abby Standing said her family has been torn apart after her 10-year-old Chihuahua, Pablo, was diagnosed with incurable heart failure.

After being startled by a fox in the garden on Sunday, January 5, Abby said she became worried when Pablo’s breathing failed to return to normal.

When she took him to the vets, it was confirmed Pablo had heart failure, a heart murmur and fluid on his lungs.

(Image: Submitted)

The mum-of-one added: “It has torn us apart. My three-year-old son, Myles, would not stop asking for him when he stayed at the vets through the night.

"He kept saying ‘where’s my best friend’.

"Pablo sleeps at the end of his bed and Myles loves to hold his lead when we go for walks. He is his absolute world.

“Pablo has been my little companion for 10 years. Chihuahuas can live right up to 18 years old and it feels like years have been taken from him.”

READ MORE: Hampshire County Council plans to close Stubbington Study Centre

Abby said that Pablo is somewhat of a local hero in Hamble and brings smiles to residents faces when they see him out and about.

The family are now appealing for donations after already spending £4,000 on treatment.

While Pablo is covered under pet insurance, it only covers up to £1,000.

A single follow-up appointment for a specialist costs more than £700.

Myles and PabloMyles and Pablo (Image: Submitted) Abby continued: “We’re not ready to say goodbye just yet but don’t have the kind of money to keep paying thousands at a time.

“Pablo still has so much life to live, and we want him to enjoy his remaining time to the fullest.

“No donation is too small, and every bit counts. Your kindness will mean the world to us and to Pablo, who has been such an important part of our family.”