An emaciated dog rescued from a trailer a few weeks ago is on the healthy road to recovery.
This week, the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) posted two stories about animals in the Southern Interior needing help. One was a cat that was attacked by two dogs, with the other concerning a pit bull terrier named Aspen.
According to the SPCA, Aspen was found alone in an RV, surrounded by garbage and feces, with no dry place to lie down.
“He had been kept in complete darkness and was emaciated, lethargic and struggling to walk,” said the SPCA, which did not say where the dog was rescued from.
“It was clear he hadn’t been fed or provided water for days. His ribs, spine and hip bones protruded from his skin and when he was let out of the RV, he immediately started licking ice and eating snow for hydration.
“He was in critical distress and needed immediate vet treatment.”
“When they brought him to the emergency clinic, they weren’t sure he was going to make it through the night,” said Sean Hogan, manager of the SPCA’s Kelowna branch. “But Aspen has an incredible spirit.”
The BC SPCA said they don’t know who Aspen’s former owner was, adding that all they know is that Aspen was left alone in the trailer without care.
“Given the condition he was in, we suspect he was there was there for some time,” said BC SPCA spokesperson Lorie Chortyk.
The SPCA said that once Aspen was stabilized, he was brought to the shelter, where staff immediately contacted a foster home that has experience working with animals rescued from difficult situations.
“When dogs are this emaciated, refeeding them takes a lot of care and attention,” said Hogan. “They need to be on a strict schedule of small meals every six hours, along with vitamin and mineral supplements.”
The SPCA said following a strict and safe re-feeding program, Aspen quickly gained ten kilograms and is now cuddling with his foster family.
The foster family said that when they first took him in, they made Aspen wear a sweater to prevent people from being alarmed at how skinny he was.
“When Aspen first came into our home, he was sad and heartbroken,” said the foster family. “He had obviously been through a lot, but he was still sweet and cautiously open to interacting with our family.”
The family added, “it was clear Aspen hadn’t experienced a lot of positive, physical touch. Over time, he really opened up and was eager to get a pet and to please.”
The SPCA also posted a brief video showing Aspen’s recovery.
More information about the BC SPCA, including how to donate to animals in need, can be found on the organization’s website.