NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. -- The service dog to a 5-year-old girl with cerebral palsy was shot point-blank in an alley behind the house. The gunshot shattered the dog’s hind leg.

Pumba was the best friend and lively motivator of Kathleen Micholas, 5, but is now forced to hobble around on three legs.

The organization Animal Protectors of New Kensington came to the rescue to provide cash for veterinarian bills for a temporary cast for the dog’s shattered leg. However, an expensive operation costing thousands of dollars will likely be necessary in order to save Pumba’s leg.

Animal Protectors is asking people to donations for Pumba’s operation.

Police said they have no suspects in the shooting.