Simba in cast.jpg

Simba fell from a third story window on Monday and friends are trying to raise $7,000 for his surgery.

(Provided photo)

Katie Bell and her dog Simba pose in this undated family photo. Simba fell from a third story window on Monday and friends are trying to raise $7,000 for his surgery.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Simba, a 3-year-old lab/shepherd mix, survived a three-story fall out of the window of his Eastwood home Monday and is in need of surgery on his paws.

Katie Bell, 23, is Simba's owner. Bell's best friend, Morgan Moon, set up a Facebook page, Save Simba, and GoFundMe page shortly after Bell learned that Simba's surgery would cost $7,000.

"Katie works two jobs and she can't afford the vet bill," Moon said.

Moon said she was able to raise $500 in less than 24 hours and hopes to raise the rest in the next few days. The Save Simba Facebook page has 73 likes and the GoFundMe page has raised $530.

Moon said Simba was in the bedroom on the third floor of Bell's home. The window was open a couple of inches. Moon and Bell believe Simba used his nose to open the window the rest of the way.

"We think he tried to step out on the ledge," Moon said. "He fell. He's 95 pounds. His paws were destroyed."

Simba fell from a third story window on Monday and friends are trying to raise $7,000 for his surgery.

Simba will eventually need surgery on both paws and his veterinarian wants to do surgery on one of the paws as soon as possible. Simba may have to have the other paw amputated, Moon said.

"He wanted to operate on Wednesday, but the the vet wants half of the money before the surgery and the other half before she could pick him up. Katie doesn't have the money to do that."

Simba also suffered substantial bruising on his chest and lungs from the impact of the fall, Moon said. He is on a variety of medications and has casts on both of his front legs.

Moon said Simba is Bell's baby.

"He's the most loveable dog you will ever meet," she said. "He's a big teddy bear."

To make a donation to help cover the cost of Simba's surgery, visit the GoFundMe page.