The puppies surrendered to the BC SPCA on June 10, 2025.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BC SPCA
June 19, 2025 - 12:30 PM
The BC SPCA stepped in after an accidental litter of puppies put their owner in a tough spot as he tried to find homes for the dogs.
The six German shepherd mix puppies were seven months old, underweight and dehydrated when they were surrendered to animal protection officers, June 10, according to a BC SPCA press release.
The SPCA said the owner's property was somewhere in the Thompson-Nicola region and the animals were being cared for at the shelter in Salmon Arm.
“We appreciate that the owner of these puppies did the right thing and surrendered them, however, there is no denying that these animals were suffering. We strongly recommend that anyone having difficulty caring for their animals call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline well before their animals’ condition reaches this state to see what support is available to them," senior protection officer Eileen Drever said in the release.
"Not reaching out for support and allowing the animals to suffer could mean facing charges.”
Three of the dogs were in critical condition when they were surrendered.
“The veterinarian who assessed them noted that the most affected were at seven per cent dehydration - a dangerous level, as the body begins shutting down at 10 per cent,” Drever said.
All the puppies were given five days of subcutaneous fluids to restore hydration and they are on a monitored feeding plan to help them gain weight safely. Feeding an underweight dog too much too quickly can cause a life-threatening condition aptly named refeeding syndrome.
One of the puppies surrendered on June 10, 2025.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BC SPCA
Salmon Arm shelter manager Meranda Dussault said the puppies’ condition was concerning since they already had dental issues at such a young age.
“They were extremely thin, yet their bloated stomachs indicated the presence of internal parasites, which we treated here at the animal centre,” Dussalt said in the release.
She said the puppies are courageous and sweet, especially the smallest of the bunch, Checkers.
“These young dogs have been through a lot, but it doesn’t show. They love people, love playing with each other and in the pool in the centre’s yard,” Dussault said. “She is super shy, but has started to stroll up to staff, tail wagging looking for a cuddle. She is still tired and weak, but she is getting stronger every day.”
The dogs are also going to get spayed and neutered and they'll be ready for adoption in two to four weeks.
Go here for more information or to make a donation to the BC SPCA.
An underweight puppy surrendered to the BC SPCA on June 10, 2025.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BC SPCA
A puppy sitting so nicely after it was surrendered to the BC SPCA on June 10, 2025.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BC SPCA
A pup drinking some water after it was surrendered to the BC SPCA on June 10, 2025.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BC SPCA
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