A senior rescue dog with a cantaloupe-sized growth hanging from its face is getting a new lease on life after undergoing successful surgery.
Biggy, a nine-year-old Shar-Pei, was signed over to the Chilliwack SPCA’s care last month after his owners could no longer care for him.
The SPCA said in addition to the painful four-pound growth – which he’d had for three years – the dog was suffering from a raft of medical issues, including eye problems and a diet-related skin condition.
Public donations for Biggy’s medical treatment skyrocketed to more than $3,000 after the animal welfare agency made a public plea for help. Donations poured in from across the world, including a large monetary contribution from an Australian animal lover.
Biggy underwent surgery last week and the growth was successfully removed. The procedure lasted more than two hours and the incision required 62 stitches.
The dog is said to be in good spirits and doing “extremely well” in post-surgery recovery. Staff will soon start looking to have this senior placed in a loving home.
“He is active and happy to be able to move around without the discomfort of the dangling growth,” branch manager Ivanna Ferris said in a statement.
“Now we’re hoping we can find a perfect match with a loving, permanent home for Biggy.”
If you're interested in adopting Biggy, contact the Chilliwack branch by telephone at 604-823-6612 or via email: chilliwack@spca.bc.ca
