An abandoned, partially paralyzed dog will be with her new foster family before the end of the week.
Days ago, the dog was brought to the Central Alberta Humane Society by a Sylvan Lake bylaw officer after someone found her among mattresses and debris outside an apartment building.
The dog, named Angel by society staff, was extremely thin and malnourished, and had sustained some kind of injury or birth defect that left her with a twisted spine, and her back legs and hind end paralyzed.
Executive director Tara Hellewell said Angel’s condition has improved with proper care and she is gaining weight slowly.
Now that she is feeling better, she has been using her front legs to pull herself forward on the floor.
“She’s definitely been that way for a long time and been mobile like that for a while,” said Hellewell about the loving lab-cross who enjoys snuggles.
“She is just amazing. She’s got so much will and ambition to do things. She is very independent. She doesn’t like being carried. She wants to do it herself.”
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Hellewell said Angel will go home with her new foster family, who also intend to adopt the dog. The family lives north of Edmonton and have a dog with similar disabilities, and can provide the necessary care.
“It’s quite incredible that we have such an amazing family lined up. They have been in touch with us since Day 1.”
The humane society has raised about $8,000 through Facebook for Angel’s treatment, which may involve amputation and a wheelchair. Specialists must still assess Angel to determine what she needs.
Hellewell said the society intends to update the public on Angel’s progress. Those who want to help Angel, and other animals like her that require emergency care, are encouraged to donate to the society’s veterinary care fund.
“We do get lots of animals with that kind of emergent care requirement. This is the time of year that we really appreciate the donations coming in. It helps care for animals all year long.”
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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