Update December 26, 2011

Holly, as she has been named by SPCA staff, is recovering well from the surgery to remove the large tumour from her head and the treatments she received for the ulcer in her eye.  She has been bathed and groomed to remove the mattes from her fur and she is responding happily to all the attention she is receiving at the Vancouver shelter.  The SPCA is still seeking information on the individual who abandoned her on Dec. 23 at the Vancouver SPCA. Holly is expected to be placed for adoption soon.

December 23, 2011

The BC SPCA is seeking the public’s help in identifying the owner of a badly neglected dog left tied to the door of the the Vancouver SPCA shelter on the evening of December 23.

Lorie Chortyk, general manager of Community Relations for the BC SPCA, said the dog, a Maltese-poodle mix, is approximately six years old and was in significant pain from a massive tumour growing on the side of her head. “She also had an ulcer in one eye, dental problems, badly overgrown nails and matted fur.” Chortyk says SPCA veterinary staff were leaving for the day when the dog was discovered but remained for several hours at the SPCA Animal Hospital to perform emergency surgery to remove the tumour.

“We don’t know why her owner would have just abandoned her, especially in such poor condition, but we are hoping that someone might recognize the dog and come forward with information,” says Chortyk. “Judging by her condition it would appear she has been neglected for some time.” Chortyk says the dog had no collar but was tied to a door of the Vancouver SPCA with a blue leash that was wrapped around her body. She was dressed in a pink sweater.

“This little dog has obviously been through so much, and it is so sad to think of her being abandoned so close to Christmas, but she is getting excellent care now and we will continue to make sure she receives the medical attention she needs,” says Chortyk. She notes that the dog seems to have a very friendly disposition.

Anyone with information about the owner of the dog is asked to please leave a message on the Cruelty Investigations Office number at 604-709-4670. The BC SPCA is also grateful for any donations that can be directed towards the care of this dog and others rescued by the SPCA. While the main office of the BC SPCA is now closed until December 28, donations can be made online at spca.bc.ca/support.

Photo caption: A badly neglected dog was left tied to the door of the Vancouver SPCA shelter on the evening of Dec. 23

Photo caption: The dog was in significant pain from a massive tumour growing on the side of her head

Photo caption: BC SPCA Hospital staff remained after hours to perform emergency surgery to remove the tumour

Photo caption: The neglected dog's overgrown nails

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.