When a Chihuahua was found abandoned in a shed with five other animals last month, her future was uncertain to say the least. She suffered from a heart murmur that endangered her life, but the Harry and Carolyn Galbraith Animal Compassion Fund at Young-Williams Animal Center sponsored a surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine that ultimately saved her.

(Photo courtesy University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine)

On Wednesday, March 5, Ariel, a 5-pound Chihuahua, underwent a surgery that lasted over an hour to repair her heart, and just 24 hours later, she heads to foster care for further monitoring until she can be adopted at Young-Williams Animal Center. On Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m., Ariel departed the center to be with her foster family. Ariel’s condition is one that commonly results in heart failure. However, closing Ariel’s duct means her life expectancy returns to normal.

The Animal Compassion Fund was established in 2013 through the estate of Harry and Carolyn Galbraith, a couple passionate about animal welfare. Since its inception, the fund has saved more than 300 animals’ lives and purchased a gently used X-ray machine that Young-Williams uses to diagnose and provide treatment for the animals in the center’s care.

Donate Now to the Animal Compassion Fund.