Photo: Courtesy of the MSPCA-Angell.
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A stray pup that was discovered near Charlestown High School earlier this month has been found with a cleft palate, something that requires a life-changing surgery that does not come cheap.
Smudge, the nine-week-old bully breed puppy was brought to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Angell Animal Medical Center by Boston Animal Control officers who quickly identified that she needed additional care.
“We’re the only organization around that has both the medical expertise to perform the surgery she needs, as well as the means to foster and adopt her out when she’s ready for her new home,” MSPCA-Angell Director of Adoption Centers and Programs Mike Keiley said.
According to the American College of Veterinary Solutions, a cleft palate in dogs is a birth defect that involves "an opening between the mouth and the nose that happens when the tissues separating these two cavities do not grow together properly."
Photo: Courtesy of the MSPCA-Angell.
The required surgery is estimated to cost around $10,000. The MSPCA created a link to donate to offset the medical costs for Smudge directly.
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“This kind of surgery requires a specialist. It’s an expensive, complex and risky surgery, and one that Smudge needs for her to be able to live the full, happy life that she deserves. Given the complexity of the procedure, Smudge needs to grow and get a little older before she’ll be ready,” Keiley said.
Until her surgery expected to happen in the early summer, Smudge will live in foster care.
On Thursday, the MSPCA hosts its annual "Raise the Woof Gala," with a silent auction to fundraise for the care of thousands of animals at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum.
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