Abandoned, malnourished puppy rescued in St. Catharines begins long road to recovery

An abandoned and neglected puppy in St. Catharines has a new chance at life after he was rescued and brought to the local humane society.

Workers there say little Jacob likely has months of treatment ahead of him to heal, but he’s already making progress.

With all four paws wrapped in bandages, Jacob took a few more steps Tuesday than he has before.

“Within 24 hours he was able to sit up, and then within 48 hours he was able to walk, with help,” said Alysha Birtles, a shelter-registered veterinary technician. “Today he did a little bit more by himself, he was able to do some small turns which was new for him.”

It was early Saturday morning when someone walking along George Nicholson Trail in St. Catharines found Jacob abandoned among the trees.

They called animal control, who wrapped him in a blanket and brought him to the Humane Society of Greater Niagara. The little dog couldn’t stand on his own when he was found.

The eight to 10-month-old puppy was found extremely malnourished. He weighs under 30lbs, when an American bully-hound cross should weigh closer to 60 lbs at this age.

His legs and tail are also covered in wounds that need to be dressed daily.

“They’re more like pressure sores from being left in the same spot and not being turned over or not being able to get up,” said Birtles, “and with them being covered in urine and feces, there were signs of infection.”

The humane society believes Jacob may have spent his entire life in a crate. They say he’ll likely need months of care, but eventually they would like to find him a new forever home.

“We’re optimistic, but he still requires medical treatment and there may be underlying medical issues that we’re not aware of yet,” said Cindy Dunne, the executive director of the Humane Society of Greater Niagara.

So far, the little pup’s medical treatment has cost around $5,000 and the humane society is expecting it to cost at least $150 a day more, not to mention daily expenses like food and grooming.

Unfortunately, the Dunne says situations like this aren’t all that uncommon.

“So this is a very severe and complex case, but it’s happening far too often in the Niagara region where dogs are being abandoned rather than surrendered to our care,” said Dunne.

The humane society is asking anyone who recognizes Jacob or may know informationa bout where he came from to please reach out.

Anyone that wants to support the humane society, and Jacob’s recovery, can donate or participate in their 50/50 raffle.

READ MORE: Over 20 cats left outside in sealed boxes at humane society in Niagara