Warning: This story contains details that may be distressing to some readers.
The BC SPCA says it found a dog lying in the snow with heavily matted fur and a severe injury to her rear leg on Nov. 18.
Pixie, a seven-year-old poodle, was found by a BC SPCA animal protection officer while responding to concerns of animal abuse east of Prince Rupert. The dog was shivering in the cold, with tangled fur so long she was almost unrecognizable. She was also unable to put weight on her rear left leg.
After being surrendered to the SPCA, Pixie was brought to Prince Rupert and was immediately seen by a veterinarian. The vet had to sedate Pixie in order to remove the matted fur which took longer than expected, said BC SPCA Prince Rupert manager Kristy Maier.
“Pixie’s fur was so bad, it took two hours to carefully remove it all. Her fur was full of dirt, feces, and urine. I honestly can’t imagine how uncomfortable she was wearing all that filth.”
The vet also conducted X-rays on Pixie’s rear leg. X-rays determined an old untreated injury caused significant damage and will need to be amputated, said Maier.
“The X-rays showed she had no tendons above the knee, due to an old injury to the leg that did not heal properly. Below her knee was a very painful callus. That is probably where she bears her weight at times.”
Despite being abused and being left alone, Pixie is a very friendly dog and since being treated by the SPCA has been very happy, said Maier.
“Pixie was friendly from the moment she arrived at the animal centre. She loves people, and all the attention she has been getting. She wants to be with our staff all the time, demanding snuggles. Pixie even kept falling asleep in the purse of one of our staff members. It was the cutest thing.”
Pixie is now in the care of a foster family who fell in love with her and decided to adopt her. The BC SPCA will continue to cover the costs of her care until she has recovered from her upcoming surgery to remove her leg.
The BC SPCA will be recommending animal cruelty charges to Crown Counsel for Pixie’s former owner.
