Cathy Dobson
A pair of stray dogs that were found in Northern Ontario last month and brought to Sarnia for emergency care, are ready for permanent homes.
Grif, an eight-month-old husky, arrived at Sarnia’s Chris Hadfield Airport with a serious break in his front leg and a laceration on his other one. Buddy, a black shepherd/husky mix, had a case of prostatitis when he was rescued by the Northern Reach Rescue Network and was airlifted south by London-based Pilots4Paws.
Grif was assessed by Dr. Tom Kostuch and Dr. Mel Moore the first week of April and it was hoped his leg could be saved with plates and pins, said Nicole King, operations manager at the Sarnia humane society.
“But it wasn’t possible and the leg had to be amputated,” she said. Journal readers responded to a story about Grif’s rescue and helped pay a portion of the medical bills, King added.
A foster home took care of Grif while he healed and learned to get around on three legs.
A month after the amputation, Grif is completely mobile, according to King.
“It has not slowed him down,” she said. “He’s got looks and personality. He’s a very sweet boy.
Last week, he was neutered and will be available for adoption shortly.
“Already there’s a lot of interest in Grif,” King said.
Buddy is also doing well and is completely recovered physically. However, he’s a much more shy pup than Grif and needs a permanent home with no cats and no young children.
“Buddy was afraid, a lot more hesitant, initially,” said King. “But he’s a nice dog and loves hiking and fetching balls.”
His photo is being shared on the Official Sarnia & District Humane Society Facebook page this week because he’s ready for a permanent home.
The humane society charges $400 to adopt a dog. They come spayed or neutered with all shots and a microchip. There’s an additional charge of $50 for Grif and Buddy because of the expense of transit from the far north.
“We put that money in the pot for next time,” King said.
The Sarnia humane society has supported the Northern Reach Rescue Network, a volunteer group based in Thunder Bay, for about two years.
Northern Reach has worked since 2014 at controlling the dog population and helping strays in First Nations communities where there is little to no vet care. They often ask for veterinarian help in Southern Ontario and Sarnia tries to assist whenever possible.
Grif and Buddy are two of about 30 dogs currently available - or within days of being available – for adoption at the Sarnia humane society.
For more information, call the shelter at 519-344-7064, visit www.sarniahumanesociety.com or the Facebook page (Official Sarnia & District Humane Society).