A nine-year-old Yorkshire terrier mix is finally on the road to recovery after being surrendered to the BC SPCA in July following an animal protection investigation.
Tessa was discovered alongside several other animals living in what the BC SPCA called “poor conditions” in West Kelowna.
Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer protection and stakeholder relations, said the senior Yorki was “severely under socialized and visibly fearful” after years of being used for breeding.
“Tessa had at least five litters,” Drever explained through a media release. “A vet exam revealed she had broken and missing teeth, skin issues, fecal matter on her coat and luxating patellas.”
According to South Okanagan/Similkameen community animal centre manager Brittney Vazorka, years of breeding left Tessa “fearful and withdrawn” when she arrived at the BC SPCA.
After undergoing a spay and dental surgery, Vazorka says Tessa’s hesitation around humans and physical contact started to fade.
“It didn’t take long for her to start to feel comfortable around staff and volunteers,” she said. “She soon became the cuddliest lap dog.”
Unfortunately, it hasn’t been a straight line to recovery for Tessa, who became extremely ill just as the BC SPCA was preparing to find her a forever home.
Vazorka says she couldn’t keep food down and was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital where she was diagnosed with pancreatitis.
She underwent several rounds of treatment and even had to be kept under continuous care at the hospital when her condition deteriorated, but things are finally looking up for Tessa.
“Now she’s finally on the road to recovery with her foster, who she adores,” Vazorka explained.
Anyone who wants to donate to the BC SPCA to help support care for Tessa and other animals in need is encouraged to do so through this link.
