About the Campaign
PDA Heart Surgery.
Millie is a 2-year-old female Dachshund mix who weighs only 8 pounds, and she needs heart surgery to correct a congenital defect called PDA.
PDA stands for patent ductus arteriosus. Before birth, puppies have a normal blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus that helps blood bypass the lungs. After birth, that vessel is supposed to close. In Millie’s case, it did not close, so her heart has been working overtime and pushing blood the wrong way. Over time, this can lead to an enlarged heart, heart failure, and a shorter life.
Millie’s condition was not caught when she was a puppy because she was a stray. Leticia adopted her from the Orange County Animal Shelter about a month ago. Millie had no microchip, and Leticia was told she had been roaming the streets and needed a safe place to land.
At the shelter, staff detected a pronounced heart murmur, graded 5 out of 6. Leticia did not realize how serious it could be until she got Millie to a cardiologist. After an echocardiogram and X-rays, Millie was diagnosed with PDA and an enlarged heart. The PDA heart defect is often misdiagnosed as a heart murmur.
Now Leticia is facing a huge, unexpected medical bill. She works for the state as a regulatory reviewer in stormwater. She can contribute about $1,000, and she has people in her community who will likely try to help, but the full cost of heart surgery is far more than she can cover all at once. She applied for a grant but was not accepted.
Millie has already become a bright spot for the whole family. Leticia’s father is in a nursing home and has significant limitations, including paralysis on one side and the inability to speak. When Millie visits, he lights up, and she brings him comfort in a way nothing else can.
Millie and Dad:
Millie deserves that same chance at comfort and stability. PDA surgery can correct the defect, reduce the strain on her heart, and give her the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life. Dogs who get this corrective surgery have an excellent prognosis. Those that do not often die around Millie’s age.
All donations are paid only to the veterinarian, specifically for Millie. Estimate is below, click to enlarge:
67 comments
Elsie Moran
Thinking of you and Millie! She deserves a fighting chance. ❤️
December 21, 2025 at 2:52 pm
Anonymous
to Ryan Boyd as Christmas gift for more good work!
””
December 24, 2025 at 10:14 am
Dean Arnsmeier
In memory of Winston.
December 28, 2025 at 4:02 pm
Elizabeth Bombardier
One of our current rescues came from OCAS. It’s important to help these innocent animals. Thank you for helping to save Millie!
December 28, 2025 at 4:14 pm
Free Animal Doctor
Thank you for not just donating, but rescuing too!!!
December 28, 2025 at 5:10 pm
Kathleen Jimenez
I hope Millie lives a long and happy life. She’s a doll.
December 28, 2025 at 4:14 pm
James Mills
Get well soon, you have family that needs you.
December 28, 2025 at 4:37 pm
Anonymous
Good luck Millie! May God shine down on you , your Mom and the surgeon taking care of you. 🙏
December 28, 2025 at 5:53 pm
Anonymous
For Sweet Millie ❤️
December 28, 2025 at 5:59 pm
Kristyn Gonzalez
Thinking of you & Millie! 💕
December 28, 2025 at 8:56 pm
Pamela Brull
We fostered our now adopted German Shepherd, Zara, through acid burns and surgery for a PDA heart condition when she was 3-4 months old, which was, thankfully, paid for by Westside German Shepherd Rescue in Los Angeles. It’s amazing Millie has lived so long with this condition. This only means that she’s destined to live a full life. Thinking and praying that Millie gets this life saving surgery and that her heart remains strong.
December 28, 2025 at 9:48 pm
Free Animal Doctor
Thank you for adopting Zara!
December 28, 2025 at 10:04 pm
Sue Costoff
To be if some small help to an innocent who needs help
December 29, 2025 at 12:07 am
Maria Duncan
Praying for you sweetheart
December 29, 2025 at 9:37 am
Susan Paulin
Sweet Millie! I want her to live a long life!❤️
December 29, 2025 at 9:54 am
I
Precious ❤️
December 29, 2025 at 10:26 am
Donna Standard
Bless your precious pup. I pray that baby gets the needed surgery.
December 29, 2025 at 11:34 am
Anonymous
Wish I could give more, but I truly wish this is Millie’s lucky year and she gets her lifesaving surgery!
December 30, 2025 at 11:55 am
Sharon Van Hecke
Because a small kindness is an always a good idea and I would hope someone would do the same for me and my crew if circumstances changed. Happy New Year and hope all is well for you and Millie.
December 30, 2025 at 2:02 pm
Pam Hudspeth
I have had 9 doxies in my life time. They are the best❗Millie deserves to have a full long life! I am also going to suggest you set up a Go FundMe! Use the story as here. I got my little George’s dental completely funded that way. That was $4000.00. People love little puppers! And will help as long as you are legit ‼️🐾♥️🙏
December 30, 2025 at 3:15 pm
Karen Swain
Bless sweet baby Millie.
December 30, 2025 at 7:56 pm
Janie Baker
Prayers for this baby!🙏❤️⚘️
December 30, 2025 at 8:41 pm
Antoinette Martinez
Praying Millie gets operation soon & recovers completely.
December 31, 2025 at 9:27 am
Antoinette Martinez
May Millie have her surgery soon & has,a quick eecivery
December 31, 2025 at 9:33 am
Vicki Garrett
In memory of my granddog doxie who died yesterday in my grandson’s arms on the way to the vets.
December 31, 2025 at 12:09 pm
Cyndy Schmidt
Please get better sweetie!
December 31, 2025 at 1:06 pm
Diana Marine
I pray she will be ok
prayers your way to this beautiful girl !!
God with her –
I wish i could do more maybe soon in 2 weeks
December 31, 2025 at 5:27 pm
Anne Smith
Wishing Millie a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. 🤗 May the coming year bring her and her family good health and many happy moments together. 💕
December 31, 2025 at 6:54 pm
Anonymous
We lost our oldest boy, Milo, just over a year ago. He had mitral valve regurgitation and was on medication for his heart. In memory of Milo, his brothers Hardy Rudy and Toby are donating from their vet fund.
January 1, 2026 at 12:29 am
Anonymous
Prayers for her
January 1, 2026 at 7:26 pm
Regina Ward
I hope you get enough donations for the surgery. I would give more but I am retired on a fixed income.
January 1, 2026 at 7:28 pm
Sara Brown
Happy to help this sweet girl get the surgery she needs ❣️
January 1, 2026 at 8:06 pm
Anonymous
I also have a mini Dachshund with a hear issue. She’s doing well now. Good luck sweet baby girl.
January 2, 2026 at 9:54 am
Rose killen
Good luck
January 2, 2026 at 10:50 am
Regina Ward
This little girl needs saving.
January 2, 2026 at 11:01 am
Aleah Stein
Praying for a successful surgery so Millie can live her best life!!
January 4, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Laura Anjoorian
Beautiful baby! praying for you to be well!! Best Of Luck!!
January 5, 2026 at 11:15 am
Anonymous
Wishing the best
January 10, 2026 at 6:19 pm
Mary
That face is too cute not to!
January 23, 2026 at 8:34 pm
W Wingfield
Bless all needy fur babies
January 25, 2026 at 8:40 am
Dianne Franiewski
God bless Millie and the Doc . Please save her to make a child happy. Thank you Letitia for saving her.
January 25, 2026 at 10:25 am
Elyce Swenson
Millie🙏💜🦋
GOD/Dog =NO COINCIDENCE! 🙏
(My Quote 🦋)
January 25, 2026 at 2:03 pm
Shari Lawrence
Every baby needs a chance!
January 25, 2026 at 4:32 pm
Anonymous
For Millie
January 25, 2026 at 6:29 pm
Lawrence OShaughnessy
Hope pup will be fine
January 25, 2026 at 7:01 pm
Shelley Bland
I lost my Lulabelle a few months ago, their lives are way too short in the best of circumstances. They should get all the help they need.
January 25, 2026 at 9:25 pm
Al Hickey
I hope goal is made. What a cute dog
January 26, 2026 at 3:05 am
Dan Dudley
Because I have a hart, hopefully you do too and make a donation too.
January 26, 2026 at 8:14 am
Heidi Kummli
You got this little Millie <3
January 26, 2026 at 10:16 am
Alicia Laramy
I like to help animals directly in addition to general rescues. Good luck to little Millie!
January 26, 2026 at 10:24 am
Josephine Gilbert
To help this baby get well.
January 26, 2026 at 4:05 pm
Anonymous
Love this little spirit!
January 26, 2026 at 6:34 pm
Cindy Novak
Please save Millie!
January 27, 2026 at 3:58 am
Cindy Novak
Please save Millie!
January 27, 2026 at 4:00 am
Thomas Miller
Every dog deserves to live and love.
January 27, 2026 at 8:45 am
Anonymous
God bless you little Millie.
January 27, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Anonymous
I love dogs! Millie looks like such a sweet girl and has work to do at the nursing home!
January 27, 2026 at 7:59 pm
Anonymous
I pray that Millie can have this lifesaving surgery. I’m donating to honor Millie and her long future with you. May God richly bless you both and the surgeon performing the surgery. ❤️🙏❤️
January 28, 2026 at 3:57 am
Sandra McGinnis
We are all falling in love with you sweet Millie just like your Mommy. Prayers for your surgery and your speedy recovery. So glad you have found your loving forever home just like you’ve always wanted and deserved 🙏🐾❤️
January 28, 2026 at 4:41 am
Anonymous
I care
January 28, 2026 at 3:11 pm
Heidi Bell
Prayers for the little guy
January 28, 2026 at 3:36 pm
Penny Calkin
I lost a blk cocker spaniel 10 years old to heart failure it was horrible to see her go from playful to suffering. It broke our heart!! We pray for Millie !!
January 28, 2026 at 3:59 pm
Kristyn Gonzalez
2nd time donating! Hope Millie can get her surgery soon!! <3
January 28, 2026 at 11:25 pm
C L Weck
Please help this dog before it’s too late. Dr. Luis Bolfer can help her he is an excellent veterinary cardiologist at Central Florida Veterinary Cardiology in the Orlando area.
January 29, 2026 at 3:45 pm
C. L. Weck
Two year old Millie has a chance at a good life. But she needs Dr. Luis Bolfer to do the heart surgery. He is an excellent veterinary cardiologist at Central Florida Veterinary Cardiology in the greater Orlando area. (My own senior cat is a patient of his.) PLEASE HELP! Many of us giving a little can make it happen before it’s too late for little Millie!
January 29, 2026 at 3:49 pm
JULIE HARRIS
Deserves to live a happy long life
February 1, 2026 at 4:20 am
Louise Pearson
I hope this sweet little thing can get the surgery it needs.
February 2, 2026 at 10:08 pm