July 18/04: Some of our staff: Dr.Murray, Tamara, Jaime and Katrina participated in the annual Davis Bay Sandcastle Competition and took home first place in the group category. Can you guess what it is? It's our goodwill ambassador, Yoda, breaking into a sample bag of catfood.

Do you have any suggestions to what we can sulpt for next year?

May 16/04: We are proud to announce the grand opening of our satelitte clinic

"The Landing Veterinary Clinic" in Gibsons

The same knowlegable staff, veterinarians, and compassionate petcare at both ends of the coast

Animal cruelty case being investigated
June 28/03....courtesy of The Coast Reporter

A dog named Tiger is recovering here after his owner dragged him behind a pickup truck for half a kilometre and then abandoned him at the hospital. "He was bleeding profusely from all four feet when he came in" said Dr. French "All the pads were worn right off to the meat underneath. The ends of all his digits were worn down to almost the bone!!!" Tiger, whom Dr. French call "the nicest Rottweiler cross I've ever met," has been undergoing hydrotherapy, antibiotic treatment and daily bandage changes to help his wounded paws and hocks mend. He will be evaluated over the next week to see if surgery is need to repair the damage.

Tiger came to the hospital after being dragged down Rat Portage Hill in Robert Creek on June 19. He had apparently jumped out of the truck box, but was still attached by a leash when the owner drove away. The owner brought Tiger, who belies the Rottweiler image with his docile, non-aggressive temperment, to our vet hospital immediately after the incident. He then passed Dr. French a bad check for $200.00 and hasn't been seen since. "This guy said he'd be back the next day" said Dr. French"But he hasn't returned. He's abandoned the dog. And, honestly, I don't want to see him again!" The man gave a fake address and telephone number on the non-personalized check. Dr. French said police came to the hospital and gave the man a ticket, probably for failing to restrain and ensure the safety of an animal, which is a criminal offense.
When contacted Thursday, no one at the RCMP knew about the incident. The member who dealt with the case was off until Monday.
Tim Savinkoff of the Sunshine Coast SPCA said the animal protection agency would be doing an investigation. "We are still researching it. We haven't been able to locate the owner yet. The man could be further charged through the SPCA," he said. That could mean a simple ticket or a charge of cruelty to animals, depending on whether or not he has a history of animal abuse.
Savinkoff, who calls Tiger, " a real sweetheart of a dog," cautioned pet owners against transporting dogs in truck boxes. Not only is it unsafe, but it is illegal to have a dog tied in the back of a truck so he can reach the edge and jump out," he said. Dogs must be secured in the center of the box so they cannot get out, though the SPCA does not recommend the practice at all.
We typically see a few cases a year of dogs injured because they were dragged behind trucks. "I've had cases where I've had to amputate half the foot," he said "Some cases some in with severe road rash and broken legs and pelvises. It's so unnecessary"
Meanwhile, Tiger, whom Dr. French estimates is between 2 and 4 years old, was bouncing back at the hospital this week. By Thursday he was walking on his thickly bandaged paws without so much of a limp. "His first couple days were pretty tough, but the paws are starting to heal up. A lot of it will grow back but it remains to be seen if surgery will be necessary.
Dr. French said the vet bill would total between $1,000 and $2,000, which he doesn't expect to be paid for. He's doing it , he said, because "Tiger is too nice a dog to be put down."




Update: (July 21/03)

Tiger is doing extremely well, Dr. French removed all four bandages on his feet today!!! Still a little tender when he walks but healing quite nicely. Surgery doesn't seem to be required at this time but we'll see how things progress. Dr. French wishes to thanks everyone who reached out with their hearts, phone calls and donations - all very much appreciated - Tiger wants to thanks everyone too!!! We will be taking applications then undergoing interviews to possibly place Tiger with a new family in the next few months.....

Recent Update: (October 6/03)

Tiger has been adopted - he has a new home with playmates and plenty of room to run. Thanks again to everyone that inquired and offered him support - we will keep you updated on his health and whereabouts.