Bode the dog is putting financial strain on the Squamish SPCA branch.
"This is breaking the bank but we've got to help him out," said Marika Donnelly, the branch's manager.
The three-year-old German shepherd was brought to the society last week. He was discovered by a "good Samaritan" in a remote area north of Pemberton, Donnelly said. The dog's face is criss-crossed with old scars and bite wounds, part of his ear has been torn off, he has multiple broken teeth and he faces losing a hind leg that was broken and never treated.
"He's had a rough life," Donnelly said, and added Bode was likely tethered for most of this life. "He is not a scrapper at all."
The branch faces veterinary bills for the possible amputation. With a tight medical budget, the branch barely has enough money to cover its spay and neuter program, Donnelly said, noting that Bode's $4,000 veterinary bill goes beyond that.
Bode has crept into Donnelly's heart. She suspects he was abused by his former owner.
"He falls to the floor in fear if you reach suddenly for him, but even then he doesn't snap or get aggressive. He just looks terrified that he's going to be hit," Donnelly said. "This dog is so special. He really deserves to be well and to be adopted into a home where he can receive as much love and affection as he lavishes on everyone else."
To donate to Bode's surgery and aid the other animals in the SPCA's care, call (604) 898-9890 or go online to www.spca.bc.ca and look up the Squamish branch.
You can also mail cheques to Squamish Valley SPCA, PO Box 659, Garibaldi Highlands, B.C., V0N 1T0 or in person at the branch.
