A Devonshire family have appealed for assistance to support efforts to treat a beloved pet that needs surgery in the United States.

Laura Ruse said that this year, her father Steve adopted the dog, Chia, from the Bermuda Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Since then, she said the animal has provided much joy and been the picture of health.

However, a few weeks ago, the dog fell ill, resulting in the family making frequent trips with the pet to the Endsmeet Animal Hospital.

So far, she said, Mr Ruse has spent thousands of dollars at the veterinarian and he was told this week that Chia needed to undergo surgery on her gall bladder for long-term recovery.

Ms Ruse said there is no veterinarian on island who is able to perform the surgery and the family made plans to take Chia to Boston on BermudAir this weekend.

In an appeal on Facebook, she wrote: “We are still in very early stages, but I am appealing to anyone who may be willing to donate funds in support of meeting our Chia’s needs.

“My dad is entirely devoted to his two sweet pups — as can be verified by anyone who knows him or runs into him at the Botanical Gardens.

“However, he is retired and meeting the estimated costs of her care on his own without external support is presenting challenges.”

She said the vet gave a preliminary indication that treatment overseas will cost between $5,000 and $10,000 and the family planned to find out more information on a breakdown of the costs.

She said Endsmeet Animal Hospital agreed to accept donations to support Chia.

The animal hospital will ensure that funds are directed to cover the costs of Chia’s local and overseas care, Ms Ruse added.

In addition, any residual funds will be sent to the Bermuda SPCA as a restricted donation to provide financial assistance to families in similar situations.

In an update yesterday, Ms Ruse wrote online: “Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out, donated and offered support so far.

“It truly means the world to my dad and I and has brought us both to tears.”

She added: “We are currently organising all of the logistics for Chia’s departure from Bermuda tomorrow morning on the BermudaAir flight.

“She will arrive in Boston and immediately be whisked away to the Angell clinic where her diagnostic testing will begin to confirm Endsmeet’s findings and prepare her for a likely surgery on her gall bladder/surrounding area.

“We will provide more updates as soon we are able.”

• For more information, call Laura Ruse on 532-1199 or e-mail ljruse@gmail.com