A local animal shelter announced today that it has raised $10,000 in donations that will pay for an abandoned puppy’s potentially live-saving heart surgery.
The MSPCA’s Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston discovered that “Kisses,” a poodle-mix puppy that was dumped at a Springfield animal shelter four months ago, was diagnosed with a fatal heart condition.
According to MSPCA Spokesman Rob Halpin, the puppy was dropped off at the Thomas J. O’Conner animal shelter in Springfield, along with her three litter mates and mother. The shelter staff discovered Kisses was suffering from an ultimately fatal heart problem, and they reached out to the MSPCA for help.
“I’m pleased (and really stunned) to report that donations toward Kisses’ care have exceeded $10,000. Moreover the media coverage resulted in an excellent new home for her,” Halpin said in an email.
The dog will leave the Nevins Farm adoption center this week to go to her new home – then she’ll come to Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston in two months time for her heart procedure, he said.
“All additional monies left over will go right back into the care of homeless animals like Kisses who are bunking down at the MSPCA’s three shelters in Centerville, Methuen and Boston,” Halpin said.
Mike Keiley, director of the adoption center at the MSPCA-Nevins Farm in Methuen, not only took the dog in but immediately booked an evaluation with the veterinary cardiology team at the MSPCA’s Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.
Dr. Rebecca Quinn, part of the four-veterinarian cardiology team, recommended a non-invasive procedure to mend the dog’s heart.
“Kisses is suffering from Patent Ductus Arteriosus, a condition marked by a blood vessel in the heart that does not close properly after birth,” Halpin said. “If left untreated the condition leads to congestive heart failure. Because she is so small, not yet five pounds, the procedure will likely be performed in about two months’ time.”
Since the operation will cost thousands of dollars, the MSPCA created a donation page for anyone who would like to contribute toward her care.
