Maisy is adept at keeping herself busy. She loves being outside, going for hikes and loves exploring the farm.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BCSPCA

The BC SPCA offered a cheerful update to what had started as a sad story.

BC SPCA animal protection officers executed a warrant and removed 97 animals from a Princeton property last September, including 43 puppies, 24 adult and senior dogs, after receiving a complaint about animals in distress.

“The animals were living in an extremely poor environment, with lack of shelter, unsanitary living conditions, overcrowding, poor ventilation and were exposed to injurious objects,” Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, said in a press release.

The dogs and puppies seized were a range of breeds and breed crosses, including Labrador retrievers, Dalmatians, Corgis, Great Pyrenees, King Charles spaniels, Yorkies, Maltese, poodles and Australian cattle dogs.

After ongoing veterinary care provided by the BC SPCA and foster homes, many of the animals recovered and found their forever homes, including Maisy and Joey. 

The SPCA said Maisy found her forever home with her family on a Salt Spring Island farm.

“We were really excited about being able to offer a home to an animal who had been through a difficult situation,”  Diane K., Maisy’s guardian said in a press release.

While the family continues to work with Maisy through her nervousness, her transition to her new home was made easier thanks to another young BC SPCA rescue dog in the family, Arnie. 

More recently, Maisy has befriended a new lamb on the farm, Dylan.

“The cutest part is while Dylan is getting bottle-fed, Maisy is right there licking and cleaning up the spilled milk on his face,” Diane said. “It’s also pretty cute when they cuddle together on the dog bed.”

Joey was a bit shy and uncertain when he first arrived at his new home, however, within a few weeks his true personality shone through.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/SPCA

When it comes to adopting an animal from a challenging circumstance, Diane says it’s important to offer the pet a very calm home.

“Don’t introduce too many people too quickly. Make sure you’re paying attention to how their feeling and don’t try to have them fit into your lifestyle too quickly. Use all the patience and compassion you have – and high-value treats are always a good idea.”

Joey is settling down similarly, according to the SPCA.

Annemarie Tempelman-Kluit and her family adopted Joey in December 2020. While they were initially concerned he may not be as well socialized or have health issues due to his upbringing, his clean bill of health and meeting him in person at the shelter quickly diffused their worries.

“He was immediately comfortable with us and as we watched him interacting with other dogs, we could see that his foster people had done a great job socializing him and taking care of him,” she said in the press release.

Joey was a bit shy and uncertain when he first arrived at his new home, however,  now he’s very rambunctious and is completely comfortable with his family and tries to tell them what to do.

Fully integrated into the family and his new home, Joey loves chewing his toys and playing keep-away. 

As for her advice for those who are interested in adopting a pet from a tragic situation, Annemarie said it’s key to have a training plan that can adapt to the dog before you adopt.

“Also, make sure your family’s aligned behind a plan," she said. "It doesn’t work if one person is doing all the work. Enlist professional trainers as needed. That assistance is as much for you as it is for the dog. And be prepared for how much time you’ll spend walking and playing and generally hanging out with your dog.”

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