The Squamish SPCA is investigating a case of a dog left on death's doorstep.
This week, a wire-haired dachshund mix named Harold was found on a rural road just outside of the District of Squamish boundary. While it's not clear what caused his injuries, possible burns and blunt-force trauma are suspected. SPCA officials reported the dog had damaged skin and bruising all over his rib cage and abdomen.
"Emergency surgery was necessary to remove dead tissue, which was damaged severely down to muscle," Squamish branch manager Marika Donnelly said in a statement issued on Thursday (Oct. 17).
The injuries appear to be a few weeks old, she noted. The skin on Harold's hind end and inner right leg were necrotic and infected.
"It will be a long haul for him, but after surgery No. 1, he's doing incredible," she said, noting the dog requires further operations to slowly close wounds as new tissue forms.
The SPCA is investigating the person or people responsible for Harold's condition. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the B.C. SPCA Cruelty Investigations hotline at 1-855-622-7722.
The branch is also seeking donations to help cover Harold's round-the-clock medical expenses. The dog's upcoming operations will cost an estimated $2,000.
To donate for Harold and other animals in the branch's care, call (604) 898-9890 or donate in person at 39901 Government Rd. or online at spca.bc.ca/squamish and click on the donate button.
"[Harold's] about a year-and-a-half and very sweet -such a fighter and super spunky," Donnelly said.
