As dog guardians, it is one of the most frightening things to think about. Especially if you spend a lot of time in B.C.’s beautiful forests and trails: an encounter with a bear. Rover, now named Rocky, lived to tell the tale, but not without battle scars.
“If you are going hiking or walking in forested areas, keep dogs leashed, not only to keep them safe from bears but also to avoid conflicts with other wild animals” says Nadia Xenakis, specialist wild animal welfare for the BC SPCA. “If you live in bear country, always check for visitors before letting dogs outside.”
“Rocky came into the BC SPCA’s care with an enormous, dreadful wound on his neck that was badly infected because of a lack of veterinary care,” says Mandy Isaacs, assistant manager of the Vancouver animal centre. “He was transferred to Vancouver from Northern B.C. so he could receive the treatment he desperately needed.” Rocky required sedation to clean the wound and have the damaged tissue removed. X-rays revealed an old jaw fracture that had started healing on its own. That and his thick, weathered coat were signs of a tough life lived outdoors without much veterinary care.
Oh, how Rocky’s life has changed! This lucky boy found a new forever home and he is showing them how grateful he is every day.
“When I first met him, he was sitting in the reception area of the animal centre because he was still recovering from his wound,” says Sarah, his new mom. “I sat down with him and petted him; gave him a few treats and we just had this instant connection – I had to bring him home.”
Rocky jumped right into the back of Sarah’s car as if he had been doing it for years and they made their way to his new home. What a lovely surprise for this boy – a home with green grass as far as the eye could see. “We kept him on his leash when we first brought him into the yard. We had to make sure he had good recall. He loved exploring his new garden.” which made Sarah so happy.
“We lost our cattle dog, Shar pei mix Buddy at the beginning of the year,” she says. “I missed his company desperately when I was gardening. He used to sit beside me and keep me company. I think Rocky is going to be a great little helper for me, just like Buddy was.”
Rocky got used to the inside of his new home as quickly as the outside. “It only took him two days to be comfortable,” says Sarah. “We were shocked it happened that quickly. He claimed his bed right away.” She says they are still caring for his neck injury making sure it stays clean and does not get infected. “We have also been helping him eat. His jaw injury means he uses his tongue more than other dogs,” she says. “We have been giving him softer food and angled his bowl to make eating easier for him.”
Sarah says Rocky is the sweetest boy. “He lays on his back and holds his toys up with his paws to play with them,” she says. “If he wants you to keep petting him or if he wants to go out he gives you his paw. He trusts us to know how to respond to what he wants, he is just such a lovely, superstar dog.”
When asked what Rocky’s favourite toy is, Sarah doesn’t hesitate to respond – “his soft, fluffy football.” And his favourite thing to do? “He loves a good neck scrunch and sitting in the garden in the sunshine sniffing the air. We start every day with a nice walk and spend the afternoon in the garden.”
What a lovely way to spend the day.