Let’s Support Hunter and Her Heart-Dog ❤️

Hi, my name is Shelly Leonard, and I’ve known Hunter since she was five years old. She’s like family to me—and if you know Hunter, you know she has always poured her whole heart into caring for animals. Right now, her heart-dog, Pluto, is fighting for his life—and they both need our help.

Pluto is only three years old. He’s gentle, sweet, endlessly loving, and even in the scariest moments, he wags his tail and leans into Hunter for comfort. He’s been sick for over a week now, and the situation has turned into something no one could have seen coming.

A couple of weeks ago, Pluto yelped while playing with his brother and showed signs of jaw and neck pain. The vet believed it was a minor muscle strain and prescribed anti-inflammatories and pain medication. He started to feel better, and we all breathed a sigh of relief.

But then, this past Saturday night, everything changed.

He started squinting and acting like his eye was bothering him. By the next morning, when Hunter woke up, his eye was severely swollen, bleeding, and protruding. He was rushed to the emergency vet, admitted on the spot, and referred to an eye specialist. A CT scan revealed a serious abscess, and he underwent emergency surgery. Despite their efforts, the eye couldn’t be saved.

We were heartbroken—but hopeful that this was the beginning of his healing.

Then things took another heartbreaking turn.

Pluto has now developed severe pneumonia, is struggling to breathe, and is currently in an oxygen chamber. His vets are working around the clock to stabilize him, but the cause is still unclear. We were informed it could be a bacterial infection or possibly aspiration during surgery. The CT scan also showed what might be a foreign object near the original abscess site which was the likely cause of his previous pain in his jaw.

Pluto’s medical bills have already climbed past $8,000, and they're still growing. This kind of emergency is something no one can truly prepare for—especially not a young person working hard to build a life, support herself, and give her dogs the care the care they deserve.

Hunter didn’t ask for this fundraiser—I did. Because I know how much she loves Pluto, and how hard she works and cares about those around her. She would never ask for help, but right now, she needs it.

If you’ve ever loved a dog with your whole heart, you know what this feels like.

Even $20 can help lighten this load. If all of us give just a little, we can ease the financial burden so Hunter can focus on what matters most—helping Pluto get better.

Please keep this beautiful dog in your thoughts. Please donate if you’re able. And please share, so more hearts can come together to lift them up during this incredibly difficult time.

With all my love and gratitude,

Shelly Leonard