Emaciated dachshund saved by mountain biker in Kelowna: BC SPCA
Posted April 24, 2024 5:24 pm.
Starving, shivering and covered in urine and feces, a dachshund who was discarded down an embankment in Kelowna is lucky to be alive.
The BC SPCA says the dachshund, named Wilfred, was found by a mountain biker who was headed to some trails off Postil Road.
“As he was unloading his bike from his truck, he noticed a light reflecting off something down the embankment,” the SPCA writes.
“He went to check it out and noticed a pet carrier. He assumed it was empty but wanted to double-check. Thankfully, he did.”
Wilfred’s collar was looped through the door of the carrier, preventing him from moving around, the society says.
The mountain biker and his partner immediately brought Wilfred to an emergency vet clinic.
“It really is a miracle the dog was found,” said Shannon Paille, manager of the BC SPCA’s Kelowna animal centre.
“The Good Samaritan shared with me that he usually rides much further up the mountain than where he stopped and doesn’t know why he chose to stop there.”
Paille says she’s not sure how much longer Wilfred would have lived for, since it seems like he was down there for some time.
Wilfred was emaciated, dehydrated and anemic, with a puncture through his upper lip and scars on his nose.
After being treated for his wound and put on plan to regain weight safely, Wilfred was released to the BC SPCA from the vet clinic and is now recovering in a foster home.
“We have been trying to find Wilfred’s owner,” said Paille. “We found a microchip, but it wasn’t registered.”
BC SPCA staff say Wilfred’s personality has begun to come through as he’s recovering, and he now wears a sweater to limit discomfort and keep him warm.
The mountain biker and his partner have told the BC SPCA they’re relieved to see Wilfred is recovering.
“They were so scared when they brought him to the vet clinic,” said Paille. “His eyes were so sad. He looked like he had lost hope.”
While it’s uncertain when Wilfred will be well enough to be adopted, the BC SPCA says donations made towards his and other animals’ care are being matched by Petsecure Pet Health Insurance up to $3,500.
