SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A veterinarian helped save the life of an ailing New Mexico dog after discovering the source of the pup's pain — a 6-inch long, 2-inch wide stuffed polar bear.

Santa Fe Animal Humane officials told KRQE-TV in Albuquerque (http://goo.gl/oPZdgH) that the bear was discovered in the dog's stomach during surgery.

A veterinarian said the dog named "Honey" had been sick for about a week and would have likely died within two days.

The dog is now expected to survive.