This is our new foster dog Lilly (aka Tigger). She is an 8 year old Shar Pei, and was apprehended from her former owner (who had the audacity to call themselves a "breeder") late last week by the SPCA. Along with 4 other Shar Pei's they were taken to the shelter for fostering and adoption. Lilly has come to live with us, and we are doing everything we can to get her healthy again.
Lilly is a very sweet girl, who was kept in an small outdoor (and presumably filthy) pen. She has had WAY to many litters, and is emaciated, suffers from body dismorphication due to her multiple pregnancies, has a terrible skin condition, dental issues, a yeast infection in her ears, and has toe nails that curl over her paws, and are digging into the pads of her paws. She is on a regime of anti-biotics, topical solution for her ears, and frequent medicated shampoo baths. I am taking her to the vet again tomorrow to get an update on her condition, and to schedule her upcoming surgeries.
On the up side, she is responding really well to good food, medical care, and lots of love.
The SPCA is providing us with veterinary care for Lilly, medications and specialized food. This would not be possible if people did not donate to the SPCA, particularly through the Biscuit Fund, or the Paws for a Cause fundraiser. www.spca.bc.ca
And, as the elections have just passed, did you know that the NDP are the only major federal party who have put forward federal legislation for increase the penalties for people who are found guilty of abusing animals? Lilly deserved a much better life than this. Perhaps this legislation would have put an end to her years of needless suffering sooner.
Please consider writing to your federal and provincial representative, and demand that Cruelty to Animals legislation be put back on the agenda. We need tougher legislation, fines that actually carry some form of impact, more powers given to animal welfare authorities to apprehend animals, and funding to make sure this all happens.
Remember, they can't speak for themselves, so it is up to us to do it for them, and to make our collective voices heard!
