The recovering puppy with small animal surgeon Dr. Curtis Cathcart.  Photo by WCVM Today.
The recovering puppy with small animal surgeon Dr. Curtis Cathcart. Photo by WCVM Today.

Injured puppy gets second chance

It was hard to tell by the way he squirmed and wagged his tail in the arms of the veterinarian holding him, but one young puppy recently faced a difficult journey to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's (WCVM) Veterinary Medical Centre.

A member of the public found the male German shepherd puppy by the side of the road in the northern community of La Loche, Sask. He was clearly injured and having trouble breathing, so he was flown to Prince Albert to receive veterinary care.

From there he was rushed to Saskatoon where veterinary specialists at the WCVM quickly decided the pup needed expensive, lifesaving surgery to repair a diaphragmatic hernia. This serious injury had caused the dog's internal organs to push against his lungs, making it extremely difficult for the puppy to breathe.

The WCVM's Good Samaritan Fund covered all of the dog's medical expenses and care. This fund, which is supported 100 per cent by public donations, covers veterinary fees at the WCVM's Veterinary Medical Centre for ownerless animals. It also allows the veterinary college to assist families during difficult situations when they can't afford critical health care services for their pets.

This puppy had a speedy recovery thanks to support from the Good Samaritan Fund. Photo by WCVM Today.

"The fund really recognizes the important role animals play in our lives. Not all decisions can and should be based on financial reasons. Having the Good Samaritan Fund available for those in need really allows people to make the best decision for their family member," says Jennifer Molloy, the WCVM's director of development.

After a few more days in care, the puppy – who had been named "Chance" in the hopes he'd survive – returned to the Prince Albert SPCA where one of the group's workers fostered him for three weeks. The healthy pup was quickly adopted by a family in Prince Albert.

"It's nice to think that a life was saved and this puppy was adopted into a home by a family," says Molloy. "The hope with the Good Samaritan Fund is always that we can turn a really bad situation into a really happy one."

Visit the WCVM's website for more information or visit the U of S Giving web site to make a donation to the Good Samaritan Fund.
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