FROM NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE: Reese collie mix needs major heart surgery

Reese is a beautiful and sweet 1-year-old, brindle-colored collie mix. The Animal League rescued Reese from a very small animal shelter that was unable to care for her extensive needs. The Animal League placed Reese into the life-saving Help Me Heal Program, so that she would have a second chance at life.

Sadly, Reese has a life-threatening heart defect. A major blood vessel that connects the two main arteries of the body - the aorta and the pulmonary artery, has remained open, when it should have naturally closed shortly after birth. Because this vessel is open, it passes extra volumes of blood into the lungs. This fatal condition must be corrected.

Reese needs to have major heart surgery to block the excess blood flow. This intensive operation is very delicate and will require the expertise of a heart specialist. It is a high-risk procedure, and the Animal League is making sure that Reese gets the best care possible. Without this surgery, it is likely that Reese could die.

After the surgery, Reese will need several months of rest and rehabilitation so she can fully recover. Her exercise will need to be very limited, even when she's feeling like jumping and playing, so she will need to be monitored day and night.

You can help. When you support the Help Me Heal Program, you're supporting Reese and many other dogs, cats, puppies and kittens that need special care.

Please open your heart and donate today.

REST HERE http://www.animalleague.org/support/support-rescue-medical-programs/help-me-heal/animals/reese.html?autologin=true