Stray puppy rescued in Boston needs costly 'life-changing surgery'

WASHINGTON (TND) — A stray puppy recently rescued on the streets of Boston is in need of "costly surgery," the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) announced Thursday.

Meet Smudge. She has a cleft palate, which is an opening or split in the roof of the mouth and lip. If left untreated, it could potentially cause a variety of serious medical conditions -- or even death.

Smudge was a small, frightened, nine-week-old bully breed puppy when she was brought to the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center," a news release noted.

The Boston Animal Control spotted the pooch near a high school on May 1, with officers taking her to the MSPCA.

Mike Keiley, who is the director of adoption centers and programs for MSPCA-Angell, said officers immediately knew the puppy needed special attention.

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,” Kiley said in the release.

Kiley added that Smudge “will soon get life-changing surgery."

But donations are needed for her "complex" treatment and continued care, with surgery to cost upwards of $10,000.

This kind of surgery requires a specialist,” Keiley noted in the release. “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.”

Smudge isn't quite ready for surgery, as Kiley said the puppy needs to grow at bit. So, the procedure will likely be done in the summertime.

Anyone interested in donating to help with Smuge's surgery cost should visit MSPCA.org/smudge.