Michael James, the pony, needs your help

Michael James, the pony, at Ralphy's Retreat Animal Sanctuary in Wyebridge, Ont., who is about to have dental surgery. (Ralphy's Retreat Animal Sanctuary/Facebook)

A local animal sanctuary is calling on the public’s help approaching a life-changing surgery for one of its ponies.

Michael James will be getting a costly dental surgery on Tuesday at King City Animal Hospital and Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary is raising money to make it possible.

The pony needs five teeth removed and four cavities filled which is expected to cost a total of around $7,400.

The sanctuary said if the surgery can’t be done while he’s under anesthesia, he might need a second procedure, which would increase costs. Without the surgery, the pony may not survive.

While the community has already raised $5,500, more help is needed as costs continue to pile up.

The sanctuary has been experiencing some hardships lately.

Volunteers at the sanctuary have been working hard to keep the animals cool during the heat wave. The climate-controlled barn is currently under construction so volunteers had to create makeshift spaces for some of the more vulnerable animals of the 110 that are currently in the sanctuary’s care.

While the sanctuary says it’s been one challenge after another recently, they’re not stopping.

“When we look at Michael James, we know we have to keep going,” the sanctuary said in a Facebook post. “He trusts us to help him, and we’re asking our amazing community to stand with him one more time.”

Those who donate $50 or more will be gifted with a portrait of the pony.

Donations can be made through the Ralphy’s Retreat website.