Remember sweet Bagel? When this adorable yellow Labrador puppy was found tucked inside a box on the doorstep of a BC SPCA centre, animal care staff were quick to provide him with the care and comfort he needed. The two-month-old arrived with nothing but a blanket, the remains of a loaf of bread, and wide eyes that clearly asked for safety and kindness. Whoever left this sweet boy must have been desperate for help, and it’s clear they wanted the best for him in their moment of distress. We’re grateful that Bagel ended up on the right doorstep in his time of need.
The kindness of animal lovers like you is the reason our teams can be there for animals who have nowhere else to turn.
Bagel’s team provided all the usual puppy care, monitored his weeping eye that raised some concerns, and began the slow work of helping him learn that people can be gentle and loving.
His story inspired many animal-lovers during the holiday season to kindly give to help Bagel and others like him receive their second chance of happiness.
We are happy to share that Bagel is thriving! Now renamed Finnigan by his new parents, this pup’s story took a happy turn when he was placed with a foster-to-adopt family of lifelong Labrador lovers who already had experience with the breed and an active lifestyle. Their home near the coast provides him with plenty of hiking and outdoor time — an ideal environment for an energetic young lab.
With love and patience, this pup is excited about everyday life and is working hard on his training and manners as he learns how to dog. His family is completely smitten with Finnigan and describes him as the most lovable little pup.
Outside of exploring new parts of the world each day, like any growing puppy, Finnigan needs lots of time for naps too!
Fortunately, his veterinary team is very optimistic about his previous eye issue. Finnigan’s eye has vastly improved, and most likely won’t need surgery in the future. He’ll be re-evaluated in two months to confirm, but things are looking very promising!
Nowadays, his biggest concerns are growing into his giant paws, and enjoying his outdoor adventures and indoor cuddles.
Thank you
Finnigan’s journey from an uncertain puppy in a box to a happy family dog is possible thanks to the loving support of the BC SPCA community. Your compassion helps animals receive the care, medical attention and second chances they deserve. The kindness of people like you turns stories like Finnigan’s into hopeful new beginnings filled with love.
If you’d like to open your heart to other animals like Finnigan, please consider making a compassionate gift today
We’re here to help
Finnigan’s story is a good opportunity to remind people that if you’re struggling to care for your animal, the best thing to do is to call our Animal Helpline. Our compassionate callers are best placed to support you to find the help you need and refer you to your local BC SPCA Animal Centre. Talking to our staff and sharing information about your animal will help our teams provide them with the care they need.Â
Labrador puppy left on BC SPCA doorstep
Originally posted December 2025
If you’ve cared for a puppy, you know it can be equally rewarding as it is challenging. While no one should take on the care of an animal without careful thought and preparation, we recognize that life can change in a moment. Whatever led to this two-month-old Labrador being left in a box on the doorstep of a BC SPCA animal centre, we know it must have been a hard decision.
Thankfully Bagel’s previous guardian knew they could bring him to the BC SPCA to receive the care he needs, and that gives us hope. Now this sweet boy is on a brighter path thanks to love like yours.
As a staff member approached the front gate at one of our animal centres early one morning, they noticed a box with a strap wrapped around it that was gently moving. As they loosened the tie and opened the flaps the head of a young, yellow lab nosed his way out, a small piece of food in his mouth. When they gently lifted Bagel out, they noticed the remains of a loaf of bread in the box and a blanket. Whoever left this sweet boy must have been desperate for help, and it’s clear they wanted the best for him in their moment of distress. It has been heartbreaking to see the increase in animals surrendered to the BC SPCA this year from families who are struggling to care for their pets.
We’re deeply grateful that Bagel ended up on the right doorstep in his time of need. The kindness of animal lovers like you is the reason our teams can be there for animals who have nowhere else to turn. Bagel could be wrapped in love and given a safe place to land because of the generosity of this caring community. Your compassion changes lives – thank you!
It’s hard to imagine how anxious Bagel must have felt, waiting in the darkness of the box, not knowing if someone was going to rescue him. But this boy has a true heart of gold. All he wants is love and affection, and every moment of kindness warms his little soul.
Despite his wiggling tail and loving expression, Bagel’s wide eyes reveal his longing for safety and reassurance. Young puppies depend on the people around them for everything. Soft blankets for snoozing on, special meals, midnight check-ins, gentle cuddles and lots of things to chew on! Bagel has needed patience to discover that there’s also kindness out there in the world, and he deserves every bit of it.
He’s been struggling with a weeping eye, and his vet team are monitoring it in case he has a condition called entropion, where his eyelid turns inwards and causes pain. Many dogs who suffer from this eye condition need a short surgery to fix the issue, and Bagel will receive the care he needs if it comes to that.
All the extra time, love and specialized puppy care Bagel needs is only possible because of people like you. When you extend your generous compassion to animals like Bagel, you give them a chance to grow, trust and eventually find a loving family of their own. Your kindness becomes their first feeling of home.