Red Bank Family Reaches GoFundMe Goal In 24 Hours, Saves Dog

RED BANK, NJ – Faced with a surgery bill for thousands of dollars that they couldn’t afford, one Red Bank family took to social media in an attempt to raise money quickly and save their elderly dog.

On behalf of their four-legged family member Bella, the Pacheco family launched a campaign on GoFundMe on Wednesday to drum up funds for the pet’s $5,000 emergency surgery.

“This all is happening during the pandemic and we don’t have the money,” the fundraiser’s About section reads. “We love her with all our heart and we don’t want her to die. If you can, please donate as soon as possible.”

Although the residents only expected a few hundred dollars at most, as reported by Red Bank Green, the family raised over $5,700 as of Thursday. In order to save the life of their 15-year-old bulldog, the Pachecos had to borrow money until funds were generated.

But the overwhelming community support came at the right time, as Bella was to released Thursday from surgery following a procedure at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls.

Among the 95 donors listed on the GoFundMe page was none other than Sen. Vin Gopal, who donated $1,000. Gopal represents New Jersey’s 11th district, which includes Red Bank.

On Aug. 13, Pacheco posted an update to the GoFundMe site, featuring a bright-eyed, smiling Bella in a cone: “Bella is now back home and safe.”

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