Help Save Kimberly: Plainfield Rescue Raising Funds for Pup's Surgery

Kimberly's rough start in life began before she was even born. The pooch — now 12 weeks old — was born shortly after her mother, Scentsy, was rescued from a high-kill shelter in rural Missouri.

Luckily, Scentsy found a home with Help Save Pets foster mom Kim Leyva, and gave birth less than 24 hours after arriving in Plainfield. She gave birth to nine pups, and all but one survived.

So far, the other seven puppies have found loving homes. But Kimberly — named after her foster mom by staff at the Animal Care Center in Plainfield — needs surgery before she can find a forever home.

"She's a spitfire," Leyva said of the six-pound pup, who was diagnosed at seven weeks with persistent right aortic arch (PRAA), a congenital heart defect that can be corrected with surgery. 

Kimberly is scheduled to undergo surgery Monday at the University of Illinois, but on Thursday, Leyva hit a snag: She learned that the pup cannot be admitted the veterinary hospital until Help Save Pets raises the full amount needed to cover the surgery. According to vets, it could cost up to $4,000.

Since Thursday morning, Leyva has been working frantically to raise money to save Kimberly's life. Donations are being accepted via HSP's PayPal account.

"We're so close," she said, estimating that HSP is about $900 away from its goal. Surgical staff at U of I have chipped in by donating $1,000 toward the procedure, she said. "They see her having a full recovery — she has a full life ahead of her."

Leyva said if the surgery happens as scheduled, she could bring the friendly pup home as soon as Wednesday.

With the community's help, Leyva is hoping HSP can raise enough money by Sunday to cover the cost of Kimberly's surgery.

Once she recovers, the shepherd/hound mix will be ready for adoption. Leyva said Kimberly is expected to remain a small dog. 

Click here to make a contribution toward Kimberly's care.

You can also follow Kimberly's story on the HSP Facebook page.