Toby arrived at the shelter like a storm in the middle of a sunny day. It was July 14, our adoption event was in full swing and our team was happily welcoming eager members of the public outside the SPCA.
That’s when time stopped, as we saw a family arrive with one of the most emaciated dogs we have ever seen.
The people who had brought him in admitted at reception that the dog belonged to their family and was neither fed nor walked regularly: in desperation, they had decided to entrust him to us…
Toby, 14, was shuffling slowly and painfully when he arrived. Since he showed signs of neglect, his case was reported to our Investigations Division.
There are just a few days left for you to double your impact: an anonymous donor will match your donations for a year* if you sign up to become a monthly donor by September 30, 2024. Your precious support allows us to help suffering animals like Toby.
* Up to $100,000.
A dark cloud on a happy day
Once installed in our clinic, this old dog made short work of the food he was given, despite his obvious fatigue. With his damaged coat and skin and his overgrown claws, he was the picture of misery. And Toby kept asking for more food…
Animals suffering from malnutrition must first be fed small portions, served throughout the day, so as not to overload their weakened system. This protocol can be challenging to follow, since our inclination is to give a starving animal as much food as they want!
While our colleagues were happily serving the crowd attending our adoption event, Toby’s arrival completely changed the atmosphere at the clinic. Suddenly, nothing was more important than comforting this fragile, yet gentle and resilient creature. We gave him a big, comfy bed, and the teams made sure to take him out regularly and give him plenty of TLC while he waited for his imminent placement in a foster home.
To increase your power to help animals like Toby, become a pillar of the Montreal SPCA today!
“Toby is adjusting slowly but surely in our home. His energy level has gone up, he prances and rolls in the grass! His daily walks are becoming longer and longer, as he is building up his strength and muscles. What a gift it’s been to see Toby progressing. I’m excited to see the day when his bones no longer show on his body.”
– Toby’s foster family
Toby is not out of the woods yet. His wonderful foster family is faithfully complying with the treatment plan our veterinarian designed for Toby, and showers him with love. He has put on a few kilos and looks healthier, but his condition continues to cause us concern. Our colleagues in the Investigations Division are diligently pursuing their inquiry into Toby’s case, as is the case whenever we suspect that an animal has been neglected or abused.
Your continued support allows us to care for animals in distress like Toby.
