He was only six and a half months old and had endured more pain than most do in a lifetime. Air Bud was surrendered to the BC SPCA qathet community animal centre in June with devastating wounds around his armpits and his sides caused by an embedded harness. He was immediately transported to a local veterinary hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
“Even in recovery Air Bud was very sweet and affectionate,” says Tara Daniels, manager, BC SPCA qathet. “He won everyone’s hearts quickly and soon became a favourite at the centre and the veterinary hospital. “Snuggling is his favourite pastime”.
“I work at an extended care facility and one day Air Bud’s foster Mom was visiting and brought him in,” says Sharlene. “It was love at first sight. His foster Mom encouraged me to submit an application.”
Sharlene’s first meeting with Air Bud told her everything she needed to know about him. “He was standing at the front desk at the qathet animal centre greeting everyone,” says Sharlene. “He was just being his wonderful, loving self.”
Sharlene adds she grew up with a Golden Retriever and was excited to add Air Bud to the family. It didn’t take long for everyone to fall in love with him.
“We have a four-year-old boxer named Sasha,” says Sharlene. “They got along from the first moment they met. Air Bud tires her out. When she has had enough she heads back inside and finds a comfy spot on the couch.”
Air Bud has made a lasting impression on the whole family. “He gets along so well with my husband Rick, and I can’t tell you how much my grandchildren adore playing with him. They all want to take him home,” says Sharlene. “One of my grandsons calls him Kevin because he doesn’t like to be home alone,” says Sharlene. “The name tag on his collar says Air Bud/ Kevin. My two-year-old grandson calls him Stevie.” Sharlene says they love to throw the ball and frisbee for him. “Air Bud is obsessed with frisbees. He carries them around in his mouth. We have five acres of fenced property, so we have lost a couple along the way. We keep having to go back into town to get a new one.”
Like most Golden Retrievers, Air Bud loves the water. “We have taken him to the beach every night since we got him,” says Sharlene. “He loves to swim in the ocean and then we take him to a creek to get all the salt water rinsed off. Sasha has almost gone in with him a couple of times. She doesn’t love the water, but follows him in.”
Air Bud has brought so much joy and laughter into their home. “He has turned into such a typical Retriever. He recently ran into the house with an eight-foot stick from the bush on our property and a dog ball he found that we haven’t seen in years.” Sharlene plans to take him back to the extended care facility where she first saw him. “The residents are always happy to see him. He is so gentle and calm with them. Although we have other therapy dogs that come into the facility, they are very thankful for the opportunity to spend time with him.”
Ill-fitting harness sends 6.5-month-old golden retriever puppy to emergency surgery
Original story: July 10, 2025
On June 24, a 6.5-month-old golden retriever puppy, now named Air Bud, was surrendered to the BC SPCA qathet community animal centre with significant wounds requiring urgent veterinary intervention. After intake, Air Bud was immediately transported to a local veterinary hospital to address two untreated 4-inch bilateral axillary lesions caused by an imbedded harness.
“In an outdoorsy, coastal region like ours, it’s not unusual to see pets with minor cuts and scrapes from playing outside, hiking or swimming, but wounds this severe are quite rare. Even as a born and raised farm kid, the lesions from the harness around Air Bud’s armpits (axillas) and sides were hard for me to look at,” explains Tara Daniels, manager of the qathet Community Animal Centre. “The worst part is knowing that he was suffering from this entirely preventable injury without any treatment or pain management. We don’t know how long Air Bud was wearing this harness, but it was clear the straps had been digging into his body without any reprieve for a long time.”
Air Bud underwent an emergency, same day procedure to surgically repair the lesions on his body. He was sedated and the fur surrounding the injuries was shaved before the medical team stitched up his wounds. Air Bud is now in foster care with one of the clinic’s staff members receiving daily pain medication and antibiotics to help him heal. Despite still being in recovery, Air Bud is very sweet and affectionate, loves snuggling and is already showing signs that he will be an active, outdoorsy dog as he matures. He has quickly become a favourite at the BC SPCA qathet community animal centre and at the veterinary hospital.
“Air Bud’s situation is a good reminder for all dog guardians,” says Daniels. “While harnesses are usually more comfortable for a dog then clipping a leash to their collar, the harness has to fit properly. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the material of the harness and your dog’s body. If not, it can cause injury and fear for the animal and lead to more harm than good. A harness should never be so tight that it’s causing chafing or cinching.”
Daniels continues, “Especially if you are bringing a young puppy into your home, it is very likely you will need to purchase a larger size harness as that puppy grows. Most harnesses are adjustable, so it’s best to check before every walk to make sure your pup still has plenty of room for their legs, their shoulders, and their shoulder blades to move comfortably. If you’re unsure how to check, the animal care staff in the centre are happy to show you during your adoption. And if you’re hoping to invest in an expensive harness for your pup, it’s not a bad idea to start with a more basic one until your puppy has stopped growing.”
Once his wounds have fully healed, Air Bud will be scheduled for a neuter surgery before he can start looking for his loving forever home.