It's a dog's life for Krombie the Bernese mountain puppy. Born by Caesarean and rejected by his mother, he now needs £2,400-worth of cataract operations.

His breed was originally developed to pull cheese and milk carts and drive cows in the Swiss mountains.

But Krombie had a difficult start in life and he has a long way to go before he can tackle such strenuous activities.

The only pup in the litter, Krombie was born by Caesarean section. His mother, not having gone through a natural labour, rejected him.

It was while sisters Karra and Jade Rothery were bottle feeding the puppy at their home in Sompting that they noticed he kept bumping into things.

Vets discovered Krombie - named after the famous Crombie coat - had cataracts in both eyes and might never see.

The 12-week-old pup needs a series of operations costing about £2,400.

The girls' mum, Sandie, 41, who breeds the Swiss dogs, has five adult Bernese and takes them to shows.

She said: "I knew something was not right. I was sure he had eye problems."

Mrs Rothery took him to two vets and then a specialist in Portsmouth, Hampshire, who diagnosed cataracts in both eyes which would have to be removed at a cost of £1,200 each.

Despite her dedication to her pets, Mrs Rothery was astounded by the size of the bill.

She said: "This is a really unusual problem for a Bernese to have. They don't usually have any difficulties with their eyes, although they sometimes have hip problems.

"Some people have told me to have him put down but that's not fair."

When Karra, 15, and Jade, 12, discovered their pet's plight they began organising fund-raising events to try to foot the vet's bill.

Both girls, who are pupils at Boundstone Community College, Lancing, belong to the Shivers Swimming Club in Hove and will be taking part in a sponsored swim today.

They will then take part in a sponsored walk from Beach Green, Lancing, to Worthing pier and back on Sunday.

Mrs Rothery said: "The neighbours and friends have been really good supporting them. They have no intention of giving up on him."