The BC SPCA has taken into care two emaciated female American bulldog, Labrador retriever mix dogs and their 18 puppies, nine in each litter, from a property in Chase, B.C.
“The dogs received very little, if any food,” says Eileen Drever, senior officer, protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA. “It appears the owner left the dogs and puppies outside to fend for themselves with no visible food or water.” Drever says the eighteen puppies were found huddled together in a completely inadequate, makeshift doghouse surrounded by hazards including sharp chicken wire.
“The two moms had very low body scores, two out of nine. The dogs’ ribs, hips and spines were clearly visible,” says Drever. “An animal protection officer observed the puppies trying to suckle, but the moms were so malnourished they did not have enough milk to feed this large number of puppies.”
The moms and puppies were brought to a veterinary clinic for examination and treatment. “The moms have been put on a very specific refeeding plan,” says Drever. “They were so underweight we needed veterinary approval just to give them water.” The two dogs are completely bonded to each other and super friendly. “When the animal protection officer came onto the property, they ran up to him wagging their tails,” says Drever.
The puppies were also underweight but not as severely as their moms, with a body score of four out of nine; they have been in and out of the veterinary clinic since they arrived at the BC SPCA. “The puppies were all suffering from diarrhea and were lethargic,” says Drever. “In a rare case for puppies this young, one had a urinary tract infection that is being treated with antibiotics.” Drever adds that the puppies are being weighed daily to make sure they stay on track.
The two moms are currently available for adoption but will need to find a forever home that will take both. The puppies will be available for adoption in approximately one week.