Firefighters have established a fund to help Jessie Brothers, the Lexington man whose Jack Russell terrier, Nubbin, suffered a broken leg last week.

The fund was established Monday after many people called wanting to make donations to help Brothers and his dog.

Brothers, 55, couldn't afford the complicated surgery Nubbin needed for his leg, which he broke when he became entangled in a fence while chasing a groundhog. Lexington firefighter Anthony Johnson and retired firefighter Mike Tracy volunteered to split the cost of the expensive operation.

The surgery was performed Thursday, and Nubbin is now recovering at home. His veterinarian sait it probably will take two weeks to determine whether the operation to save Nubbin's leg is a success.

Brothers receives Social Security and disability payments, and he lives alone.

Those wishing to contribute to the fund should make checks to FOF Public Education, and specify that the donation is for Jessie Brothers. Donations can be mailed to the attention of Ed Davis: Third Street Fire Station, 219 East Third Street, Lexington, Ky. 40508.

Jim Warren: (859) 231-3255.