She’s a vagabond toy poodle, named May by SPCA staff because earlier this month she fell out of the sky and landed in the grounds of Sechelt’s Shorncliffe Nursing Home.
How she came to be flying over the nursing home is explained by the deep talon marks in her back and sides, showing she was probably the unwilling passenger of a hungry eagle that had picked her up but eventually found her 18 pounds too much to hold on to.
May, her ribs broken, her body lacerated, was found by nursing staff May 2 and delivered to the Sunshine Coast SPCA.
The fall injured her, says BC SPCA official Lorie Chortyk, but the whole unnerving ordeal likely saved her life.
"Ironically, if it hadn’t been for this we might never have found her," said Chortyk.
She carried no identification and her generally poor condition indicated she had been wandering without care for some time before attracting the eagle’s attention.
"She’s been a stray. There’s been severe neglect, and who knows how long she’s been out there. We estimate she’s six years old but her nails were growing into her pads and her teeth are badly decayed," said Chortyk.
May was taken to the appropriately named Eagleridge Veterinary Hospital for treatment to her immediate injuries and is now recovering.
"Eagleridge were very generous in treating her but now she needs extensive dental work, which will cost around $4,000," said Chortyk.
"We’re asking for public assistance to pay for the surgery. Sunshine Coast is a small [SPCA] branch and they don’t have a lot of resources," said Chortyk.
"She needs it because it’s hard for her to eat with decaying teeth and this has to be done before we can find her a new home," she said.
"May’s survived so much, the least we can do is find her a good home. If anyone deserves a happy ending it’s her," said Chortyk.
The SPCA has been unable to find her owner and no one has come forward to claim her.
People can donate online at spca.bc.ca/sunshinecoast or by calling 604-740-0331.
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