Warning: This story contains graphic images.
A dog at the centre of an animal cruelty investigation is now getting the care he desperately needs at the Victoria SPCA – where staff are hopeful he’ll soon find his forever home.
Hogarth, a seven-year-old Shih Tzu, was shipped to Victoria from the Cowichan Valley after he was found so badly matted that his right foreleg had to be amputated.
“His leg was black and necrotic. He couldn’t bear any weight on it and was in a lot of pain,” said BC SPCA Victoria branch manager Annie Prittie Bell.
The dog also required major dental work for teeth that were so badly diseased, he couldn’t eat and was underweight as a result.
He also needed special skin treatment for other wounds.
The SPCA says Hogarth was surrendered after a cruelty investigation, but it’s unclear exactly how he came to have his numerous health problems.
When he was first found, Hogarth had a necrotic leg and badly diseased teeth. (Courtesy BC SPCA)
Despite the hardships he’s faced, those working with the resilient pup say he’s a “sweetheart” and a “cuddle-bug.”
“He’s actually a really amazing dog. When he first came in he was so afraid of being touched because everything hurt,” said Prittie Bell. “He is friendly with pretty much everybody that he meets, he likes kids, he likes adults.”
The tiny dog’s total medical bill is expected to exceed $5,000, and staff at the branch are hoping donations from the public will be able to offset those costs.
Hogarth should be up for adoption in about four to five weeks.
Those interested in adopting him or making a donation to his recovery can do so by getting in touch with the Victoria SPCA.
