Warning: Details and images in this story may upset some readers
A concerted effort is underway in Saanich, BC, to restore comfort to an eight-month-old puppy who was surrendered to the Victoria Humane Society after suffering severe burns.
“He’s our little miracle dog,” said the society’s executive director Penny Stone. “It’s been a real whirlwind trying to make sure we’re doing the right thing for him.”
The owner of the Australian shepherd called the humane society after the animal suffered severe burns on a third of its body, unable to continue caring for the pet.
“These are really deep burns, meaning the skin is missing,” said VCA Canada Central Veterinary Hospital critical care specialist, Dr. Manuel Boller. “These were thermal injuries so some really hot, probably water, was poured on the dog, I don’t think it was on purpose.”
The animal remains in intensive care at the Saanich veterinary hospital two weeks after his injury. Staff and the humane society are taking donations to help pay for the pet’s care – a conservative estimate of $20,000.
“It’s a big expense and rightfully so,” Stone said. “We’ll do whatever we have to do but obviously donations are always welcome.”
The veterinary team says wound care is a top priority right now. They expect surgeries involving skin grafts to be needed later and they need to treat a severe kidney injury, possibly related to burns.
“It’s really important for us to make things for animals and not by animals,” Boller said. “Even if it takes a few weeks, I don’t think he will go through hell at this stage. So I think it’s a good investment. There is no objective reason to stop treatment at this stage because he is actually progressing OK.
The humane society says it also considers the animal’s suffering when proceeding with caution – and its executive director said he was surprised by the animal’s strength.
“Hopefully we’re on the rebound and moving up,” Stone said.
His team comes up with names for the animal, alongside the community – and he thinks “Rebound” might be the perfect fit.
“I think he needs something a little magical. He is a lovely boy. He deserves that we fight for him, but we will only fight for him as long as he wants,” she says.
