An affectionate young pup in Fort St. John must lose a leg after one of her front legs was caught in a leg hold trap while on a hike with her former family. The trap severely damaged her foot and leg, leaving the 15-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog/Labrador retriever mix in tremendous pain. Now, North Peace SPCA staff are hoping the public will help sweet Tsi-Lou get a leg up on a second chance at a long and happy life.
“Tsi-Lou is such a sweetheart! The leg hold trap crushed her phalange bones and caused extensive damage to her tissue and nerves,” says North Peace BC SPCA Branch manager Candace Buchamer. “Despite her pain, she remains a friendly, loving girl who can still live an active life as a ‘tri-pawed’ dog.”
Surrendered by her former guardians when the medical costs became too much, every effort was made to save Tsi-Lou’s leg, but the damage was too severe, Buchamer notes.
Tsi-Lou’s unfortunate accident highlights the issue of leg hold traps at a time when B.C.’s municipalities have the opportunity to discuss leg hold traps as part of a Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) conversation, Buchamer notes.
“The BC SPCA encourages British Columbians who are concerned about the use of leg hold traps and their impact on both wild and domestic animals to contact their municipality to ensure they’re participating in this very important conversation,” Buchamer says.
Tsi-Lou’s medical costs are expected to exceed $2,500. A non-profit organization, the BC SPCA relies primarily on public donations to help the province’s most vulnerable animals. If you can help Tsi-Lou and other animals like her in need at the BC SPCA North Peace Branch, you can donate online at spca.bc.ca/medicalemergency or in person at 9311 – 81st Ave., Fort St. John.