Lancelot is one of nine little dogs rescued by the Kelowna SPCA last month. When he came to their branch (left) he required grooming and medical treatment. Just a few weeks later he is recovering well (right).
Image Credit: Submitted
November 02, 2017 - 2:40 PM
KELOWNA – After weeks of rehabilitation, three of the nine little dogs rescued by the Kelowna SPCA last month have found homes in the first week of adoption.
Early last month Kelowna SPCA came into the care of nine dogs suffering from extreme neglect. The dogs were owned by an elderly couple and voluntarily surrendered after the husband died and the wife moved to a care home.
Branch manager Sean Hogan says overcoming the dogs' lack of socialization was the biggest obstacle to their adoption.
“Our team of staff and volunteers worked very diligently to slowly introduce common household things like dishes to eat from, clean beds to sleep in, and collars and leashes,” he says. “These dogs just were not socialized in ways that didn’t encourage more fearful behaviour. Can you imagine being afraid of what you eat out of?”
Hogan says the dogs required dental work ranging from cleaning to major extractions and none were spayed or neutered. One of the dogs had to be euthanized.
“We posted a medical alert about these dogs once we knew what was needed medically and behaviourally to prepare for rehoming,” he says. “With estimated costs exceeding $15,000, donors immediately responded and flooded us with the money to cover these costs as well as ensure that animals like these ones get the necessary care they need in the future.”
Medical treatment was provided by Dr. Oz and his team at Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital, and Groom n’ Go took care of their coats, skin and nails.
“It truly takes a community to help in cases like these and our donors were no exception," Hogan says.
Because they needed so much help, the dogs were only cleared for adoption this week. Hogan says three of them have already found homes and the remaining five will go up for adoption in the coming days.
“Just a few weeks later, all eight show more signs of trusting people and even seem excited to get visitors, play time, walks and snuggles,” Hogan says.
To apply to adopt one of the remaining five rescue dogs, phone the branch at 250-861-7722 or visit in person between noon and 4:30 p.m.
“Once again, I am grateful to the response from our staff, volunteers, donors and supporters in the community who heard the situation loud and clear and responded with love, financial support, and dedicated care to these animals well-being.”
To contact a reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
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