Surgery Saves Life of Lake Hopatcong Puppy

Thanks to groundbreaking surgery at Saint Francis Veterinary Center in Woolwich Township, a Lake Hopatcong puppy's life was saved, Action News Philadelphia reported.

The Santangelo family of Lake Hopatcong had recently acquired a new family pet when it was discovered that six-month-old Weasley had a condition that could threaten its life. The German shepherd pup was diagnosed with pulmonic stenosis, a defect that causes one of the heart valves to not open properly, the article said. 

The Santangelos took Weasley to St. Francis, one of only three area veterinary hospitals equipped to perform the surgery the dog needed—in fact, Action News said fewer than 1 percent of U.S. hospitals can offer it. With Garden State Veterinary Specialists' assistance, Dr. Jonathan Goodwin used a special balloon to open the puppy's heart valve and allow more blood to flow through it. 

It was the first time this operation had been done at Saint Francis—and it worked: The Santangelos report that Weasley is happy and healthy and will now be the center of an advertising campaign to highlight the groundbreaking work done at Saint Francis. And the hospital is running a fund drive to help the family cover the expensive cost of the surgery. To donate, text either "Weasley 10" to donate $10, "Weasley 50" to donate $50 or "Weasley 100" to donate $100 to the number 41444. Extra money raised will go to help other animals in need.