The Vancouver BC SPCA branch received a sudden influx of small dogs this past weekend, when 15 of them were surrendered at the same time.
Their elderly guardian could no longer care for them, so 10 poodles, three Chihuahuas and two Pomeranians were all given to the shelter.
Vancouver SPCA branch manager Charlotte Ellice says the small dogs are lovable and extremely cute, but so many dogs coming into the shelter at once poses a serious financial problem for them.
“This many dogs all at once means we’ll need upwards of $10,000,” she says. “A lot of them are adoptable right now. Some will require very special homes as many have lived a sheltered and isolated life.”
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Some of the dogs need care however, such as blood work, dental work, analysis and related treatment, which can cost $400 to $500 per dog. One of the poodles, Robbie, needs surgery on his left hind leg for severe luxating patella, a joint problem common in small-breed dogs. That surgery will cost at least $2,000.
“We’d like to do the surgery as soon as possible to get him off to a better start in life,” says Ellice.
As a non-profit organization, the BC SPCA is supported through public donations. Anyone who is able to help these small dogs and other animals like them in need at the Vancouver SPCA shelter can donate online or visit in person, at 1205 East 7th Ave., Vancouver.
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