When Lily arrived at the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre with her eight puppies, one thing was clear: she had given everything for them.
The puppies, though tiny, were in perfect health—adorable, plump, with shiny fur and squeaky little voices. But Lily, their brave and exhausted mama, was barely clinging to life.
She was extremely emaciated, with ribs visible beneath her stretched fur, hip bones jutting out, and a spine that protruded in jagged lumps along her back. Her condition was a testament to just how much she had sacrificed to care for her puppies.
Community member goes above and beyond
But Lily wasn’t alone in her struggle. Jean, a compassionate resident from Wikwemikong, an unceded First Nation on Manitoulin Island, shared the same fierce love for animals. Jean knew that Lily needed urgent help, but the challenges in her community were immense. There were no local animal centres, and the nearest veterinarian was 45 minutes away. The lack of accessible veterinary care meant that animals in the area often went unspayed and unneutered, leading to overpopulation and more animals than people could care for.
Determined to make a difference, Jean regularly took matters into her own hands, using her resources to drive animals from her community to the Sudbury & District Animal Centre.
Jean had been working hard to care for Lily and her puppies in Wikwemikong, but the situation was dire. The furry family needed more than she could offer. So, she took them to the Sudbury & District Animal Centre where they could receive the medical care and attention they desperately needed.
A happy ending for Lily and her pups
Lily and her puppies flourished in our care. We immediately started feeding Lily every two hours and closely monitored her recovery. Slowly, her fur thickened, her body began to fill out, and she regained her strength. When she wasn’t caring for her pups, Lily enjoyed snuggling with her animal care team and even went on walks to soak up the attention.
Today, Lily, now called Peaches, has made a full recovery. No longer emaciated and exhausted, Peaches enjoys belly rubs, treats, and playing with her favourite toys. She is now living in her forever home, where she’s a beloved lap dog, snuggling up with her new family and living the life she always deserved.
Lily’s story is a reminder of the profound impact that compassionate people can have on animals in need.
As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to help animals like Lily and her puppies. If you were touched by her story, please consider donating today.
