Spike – A Rescue Story
And his name is no longer Spike
Spike’s New Life Or The Difference You Can Make by Fostering
Spike was a prisoner on a 6 foot chain for almost his entire life (12 years). He had a dog house, he was fed and must have had access to water. As astounding as that is, under Canadian laws that’s enough. What no one else noticed was that the chain (so unbelievably heavy) had embedded itself into Spike’s neck. A Victoria Humane Society volunteer noticed and convinced Spike’s owners to surrender him.
That’s when Spike’s life started to change.
The Victoria Humane Society made a public post asking for a foster for Spike, the requirements were very specific as no one knew what Spike would be like finally off his chain? So a request for a no other pets and no young children foster home was made. We also knew that he needed a fenced yard so he could sniff and explore in safety and peace; enjoying the freedom that he had never had. It was going to be a tall order, but this is what rescue is at its core. If we can’t help a dog like Spike, what are we doing?
Thankfully a lovely family put their hand up for Spike. He arrived uncertain and nervous but his fosters were kind and patient and allowed Spike to settle in without putting any pressure on him to be anything other than who he needed to be at that moment.
The difference on his face after 24 hours in his foster home makes all the hard work of countless volunteers worth it. Sometimes we need this reminder, sometimes we need the before and after to get us to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and carry on. Sometimes a story like Spike’s inspires people to help by donating, fostering or volunteering.
Sometimes a dog comes along just when we need them most.
Thank you Spike! (and yes he has a new name to go with his new life)
Please, if you can – DONATE, FOSTER or VOLUNTEER. Help us save more animals like Spike.
Check out the after and before pics!!
You are the lifeblood of our work on behalf of animals.
