Trooper, the emaciated golden retriever whose story provoked outrage across B.C., made a special appearance on Sunday at a fundraiser held to help pay for his care.
When Trooper was brought in to the Maple Ridge SPCA last month he weighed only 11 kilograms – roughly a third the weight of a healthy golden retriever – and was close to death. Staff named him Trooper, hoping he would survive from a horrifying case of neglect.
After being touched by Trooper's story, professional photographer Carol-Ann Loeppky decided to do what she could to help out.
"I was just heartbroken," Loeppky said. "Animals can't fend for themselves or speak up when they're being abused. People have to speak up for them."
So on Sunday, for a minimum donation of $30 to the B.C. SPCA, Loeppky took portraits of animal lovers with their own furry friends in Maple Ridge's Jerry Sulina Park.
And Trooper, whose weight has already doubled, made a special appearance as well with his foster family.
"He's beautiful. I don't know how anyone could've done that to him," Loeppky said.
Foster dad Brad Hayward told CTV News their new house guest was doing remarkably well.
"Originally they were thinking his life span would be half of what it should be," Hayward said. "After doing some kidney, liver and blood tests, they think he should live a full life."
Crown counsel is still considering whether the dog's former owner, Mike, will be charged with animal cruelty.
Speaking to CTV News after surrendering the dog, Mike described himself as a caring man who didn't realize what bad shape his dog was in until he shaved him. "I'm sorry that I let it get that far," he said.
"I'm praying every day that that dog makes it and eventually finds a good home."
The SPCA says it will take any animal whose owners, for any reason, can't care for it and find it a home.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Peter Grainger
