It was possibly one of the worst cases of neglect the Sunshine Coast SPCA's Shannon Broderick has ever seen.
Responding to a complaint of animal cruelty, Broderick attended a local residential address last month to find a young female border collie living in a dingy chicken coop surrounded by piles of her own waste. The dog was suffering from a serious skin infection and had a painful aural hematoma (ear infection) that had gone untreated for some time.
When Broderick asked what the dog's name was, the owner couldn't say.
"Imagine having a family pet whose name you didn't recall," said Broderick.
Broderick named the shy little dog Polly, which means "great sorrow." And despite what she's been through, Polly is a sweet and loving girl who craves affection and human contact.
Polly is currently under veterinary care and 100 per cent of the cost of treatment - $570 - will be paid for by the BC SPCA's donor-supported Biscuit Fund.
Unfortunately, says Biscuit Fund co-ordinator Melissa Balfour, there are hundreds of companion animals just like Polly who are abused, neglected and abandoned around the province. Through the Biscuit Fund, the BC SPCA is able to meet the veterinary medical care costs of these animals while giving donors a chance to determine exactly how their donations are used. All contributions to the Biscuit Fund go directly toward medical treatment for the animals.
"As a donor, it's gratifying when you can actually see the difference you are making in the life of an animal," said Balfour. "This is particularly true among our donors who either don't or can't have pets of their own but still want to have a personal connection with one."
October is the Biscuit Fund's Sponsor a Dog Month. Visit www.spca.bc.ca /biscuit to learn how you can help an animal through sponsorship. Prem-ium-level sponsors have their name published on the Biscuit Fund website and receive a certificate of sponsorship, a profile and picture of the animal they've chosen to support, a button featuring the program's namesake and a tax receipt.
Broderick invites anyone interested in fostering Polly during her recovery or providing her with a permanent loving home by formally adopting her to call the Sunshine Coast SPCA Branch at 604-740-0301.
