Dogs seized from Clearwater ready to adopt

NEWS — Many of the 16 dogs seized from a property in Clearwater earlier this month are now available for adoption at the Kelowna and Penticton B.C. SPCA branches.

In Penticton, six of the dogs – mostly standard poodles and golden retrievers – are awaiting adoption.

“They will all need homes with a lot of time, patience and understanding,” said Corinne Ross, manager of the South Okanagan/Similkameen B.C. SPCA Branch.

She said because of the neglectful conditions in which they had been kept, they are fearful, have eating issues, may try to escape, have separation anxiety and need some house training.

“We are confident that they will, in time, become wonderful adoptions to a loving family.”

Suzanne Pugh, manager of the Kelowna SPCA branch, where three of the seized dogs, all golden retrievers, are now available for adoption, agrees.

“They just need the right person or people to help them understand they’re now part of a safe and caring home that is completely different from the horrid conditions they’d become accustomed to,” Pugh said.

“Preference will be given to those living in the Okanagan so that each branch can continue to provide rehabilitation support.”

The dogs required extensive medical treatment ranging from spaying and neutering to dental surgery and more, much of it costly.

Two horses in distress were also removed from the property; three dead animals were also found on site.

“As we continue to seek donations toward both medical and rehabilitation costs, sincere thanks to SPIN – Standard Poodles in Need Rescue and Re-home in Greater Toronto, for generously donating $1,000 to help these dogs,” Pugh said.

SPIN is a foster-based non-profit organization primarily concerned with the welfare of homeless or unwanted standard poodles and poodle mixes. The group is collaborating with the B.C. SPCA to raise awareness about the deplorable conditions of puppy mills and to advocate for change.

Pugh and her staff have entered a Kelowna SPCA team in the Kelowna Mudd, Sweat and Tears event, a 12-kilometre obstacle course mud run, to help with fundraising for the Clearwater seizure-related costs.

For more information see B.C. SPCA website.