By Robin Rieger

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ (CBS) — A 1975 Mercedes 450SL convertible is Marc Portner’s baby. He’s partially restored it, but he’s now offering to sell it to help his new baby, Jim, a 9-month-old Chihuahua mix with a $3,000 hospital bill.

“He had a fractured femur; they had to put a pin in it,” says Marc, who lives in Collingswood.

Last month, Jim was found abandoned in a driveway and brought to the Almost Home Animal Shelter in Pennsauken.

“They said he was probably kicked or hit with a stick or bat,” Portner explains.

Marc and his wife, who have fostered other shelter dogs, were asked to foster Jim after surgery.

And according to Director Nancy Welsh, the poor economy has led to an influx of animals–and a $20,000 budget deficit at the shelter.

“Our animal control calls and cruelty calls have doubled recently. Animals [are] being abandoned in the streets,” says Welsh.

Welsh also says that nine towns that receive animal control services fund 25-percent of the shelter’s budget–the rest comes from donations from people like Marc, who is selling his car.

“I’ve seen them for $1000 to $10,000,” says Portner of his vehicle.

Whatever the Mercedes sells for, Marc says he will donate all of the money to the shelter. But the first $3000 will pay Jim’s vet bill.

“It’s helping a great cause,” Portner says.

If you are interested in any of the pets available for adoption at Almost Home Animal Shelter in Pennsauken, give them a call at 856-663-3058. You can also get more information on a fundraiser the shelter is having in Collingswood Saturday.

For information on Portner’s car, click here to see the Craig’s List posting.