The temperature was -35 on Jan. 16 when a puppy named Star was fighting for her life after being left in a cardbox box behind the Mohawk station at Spruceland Mall.
The Yorkie-cross is getting the attention and medical care she deserves thanks to a Good Samaritan and the Ospika Animal Hospital.
The woman (who declined to identify herself) heard the pup's cries and found the cardboard box left in the freezing temperatures. She immediately noticed the puppy had had some kind of strap tied around her muzzle, presumably to stop her from barking. Her muzzle was damaged as a result.
She took the dog home and cleaned her up as much as possible. The next morning, she contacted Shawna Thrift, a local volunteer with the Animal Advocates Society.
Thrift immediately realized the dog was in bad shape.
"The smell was overwhelming. I don't know if you've ever smelled dead flesh but it's an overwhelming stench," said Thrift.
Star is now under the care of Ashley Albright who says despite the injuries, the puppy was in good spirits when she arrived.
"[Star] was jumping and didn't seem to be in pain. She immediately ate and was taking fluids," said Albright.
However there were some obvious injuries.
"I thought it could have been frostbite at first glance but that's an unusual place for it. Usually the tips of the ears and toes are the prone areas for any cold damage."
The vet said she doesn't see a lot of abandoned or abused animals come through the doors, but it does happen.
Animal Advocates Society based in North Vancouver agreed to be responsible for the dog's medical bills and once she is healed, Thrift is adopting her.
"At this point, her medical bills are more than $2,200," said Thrift, and the Society is currently campaigning to raise funds to cover the expenses.
A woman has contacted the BCSPCA and has personally donated $1,000 reward for anyone who comes forward with a tip about who left the dog outside.
Swift filed a complaint to the BCSPCA and is urging anyone with information about the dog to call Chad Bohanan at Animal Cruelty, 250-562-6990.
To donate towards Star's recovery visit www.animaladvocates.com/star
