Residents in Milford are joining together to help a dog in need of surgery.

Bella, a 9-year-old pug, has an elongated soft palate that is making it harder for her to breathe.

Her owner, BreAnna Morin, doesn't have the money for the surgery so she started collecting bottles and cans to cover the cost.

"She's the first dog I ever had," Morin said. "She's literally my rock. She's the love of my life."

When the Milford community learned of her dilemma on Facebook, they jumped in.

People started dropping off bags in a playpen set up in front of Morin's home and called her to pick up hauls from their addresses.

So far, she's raised $2,100 out of the $5,000 need for the surgery.

She still has more than 10,000 cans and bottles at her home from this weekend's collection and has plans to get more.

"It says everything about Milford," Morin says. "I mean, I believe our slogan is we are a little city with a big heart and I mean, Milford is really coming through right now."

She hopes that Bella will have the surgery at the end of September or October.

People interested in donating can email Morin at Bimorin@yahoo.com or call her at 203-915-2472.