VANCOUVER – A nine-month-old Rottweiler cross puppy, named Niko, has travelled a long way to get medical care that is going to cost thousands of dollars.
Niko was recently hit by a truck in Klemtu. When he was struck, the RCMP responded and tracked down his owners. They were out of town but signed the dog over to the Mounties over email. The officers called the BC SPCA to see if they could help, signed Niko over, and put him on a ferry to Prince Rupert. Staff at that branch met the ferry and rushed him to the vet. Due to the nature of his injuries, Niko requires more specialized and the BC SPCA paid to fly him to Vancouver.
“Niko required specialized surgery for several fractures, mostly in the pelvic and hip areas,” says Vancouver BC SPCA Branch manager Jodi Dunlop. “He’s had the surgery and is recovering now at the Vancouver Animal Hospital, and despite all the travel and the pain, he’s doing amazingly well – he’s in good spirits.”
They are now looking for a foster guardian for Niko as he will need a lot of love, care and attention, as well as someone who can lift and carry him. He will be unable to walk for a weeks.
“He’s come so far, literally and figuratively, and we just want him to have the chance to experience a long and pain-free life,” Dunlop says. “He’s so sweet-natured and still so young, so we’re optimistic he’ll have a fantastic recovery and will be able to live a full and active life.”
The cost of Niko’s medical care is estimated at $15,000 so the BC SPCA is hoping the public can help. Anyone can help Niko and other animals like him in the BC SPCA’s care. Visit spca.bc.ca/medicalemergency or drop by the Vancouver branch to donate in person at 1205 East 7 Ave.
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