Castanet

Fleshfailures wrote:I understand why they're upset, but I was under the impression that if you surrender a pet to the SPCA there's no guarantee you'll get it back. You can't just give your pet up when things get tough and then expect to get it back with no issues. Maybe that dog is better off with her new family, and hopefully they will get her spayed.

Regarding the case of a dog that was surrendered to us recently, I would like to take the opportunity to clarify some details. I have removed the dog’s name and the names of the people involved for anonymity, Kelowna Manager.

The dog in question is a 2yr old Tibetan Terrier who was surrendered to to the Kelowna Branch by her previous owners back in October, after they had taken her in as a stray 6 months earlier. The couple spent some time in the branch with staff and volunteers. They completed all the necessary paperwork to surrender the dog and also wrote out some supplementary information: "We are both 79 years of age...(the dog) likes lots of exercise, which is ok but now (she is) pregnant!! Seems too much for us to cope with at this time. She is a very nice dog and we are extremely upset having to do this but we realize it will be the best for (the dog). (To surrender her). If (the BC SPCA is) unable to adopt (her out to new home) we may come and get her back at a cost we realize". The surrender process was followed and all the information regarding surrender explained to the couple.

Following the intake, it became clear the the dog was not just pregnant, but in labour. The branch arranged for an emergency health check at a local emergency clinic, xrays confirmed she was in labour with 8 pups, and a quiet room was immediately organised for her as she was in some distress, having been surrendered to the shelter at this critical time. Due to the short notice the branch was unable to locate a foster home, so a staff member took the pregnant dog home and provided the urgent medical care she required during the birth and for the following week, so that the dog would not incur more stress. The week following, an official foster home was found and mom and pups were relocated.

After a series of health checks with the Vet, it was identified that the dog has a chronic health condition called Diabetes Insipidous that had gone untreated. Treatment would come at a cost of $1000 per year for the rest of her life, 15+ years. The foster family asked to adopt the dog permanently, and as they had both bonded with her over the last 2 months, and had the knowledge and financial means to provide the necessary care that she requires for the rest of her life, the adoption was approved. The branch is in constant contact with the adoptive family, ensuring that the welfare of the dog is their first priority.

I hope that helps to clear up some of the rumour's that have been circulating.

janalta wrote:Just one more reminder as to why I've never donated to the SPCA

Triple 6 wrote:The SPCA offers a low income spay/neuter program. Why didn't this senior couple take advantage of that?
The SPCA is not in the biz of financially looking after others peoples pets, then after 6 months giving it back to said owner.
Give me a break. They couldn't afford her care for pregnancy, how would they for the diabetes?

if a person can not afford to spay or neuter