Emaciated Puppy Found in Wooded Area Comes Into Ottawa Humane Society Care

October 3, 2019 — Last week, a severely emaciated nine-week-old puppy came into Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) care.

Zelda, a black Labrador retriever, was found crying and barking in a wooded area when a local couple found her alone. She appeared in need of medical care so the couple brought her to the OHS for treatment.

While it is impossible to know where Zelda came from, thus far no medical cause for her emaciation has been identified, and at this time it appears that she is emaciated due to lack of food. Her owner has not come forward since she arrived in OHS care last week.

“It’s heartbreaking to see a puppy so young and full of life come into our care in such a poor state,” said OHS Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Shelley Hutchings. “It will likely require a lengthy stay in care for Zelda to reach a healthy weight but we’re determined to see her go to a loving home.”

The OHS is pleading with pet owners to take the responsible steps when they are no longer able to care for an animal rather than abandoning them.

Zelda is just one of thousands of abandoned animals that arrive at the OHS each year, for a variety of reasons and often in need of intensive intervention to give them the second chance they deserve.

Should community members wish to help the OHS pay for Zelda’s care, a donation page has been set up for her at ottawahumane.ca/zelda.

Photos to download:
Zelda Video (MP4)
Zelda Photo 2
Zelda Photo 3
Zelda Photo 4

Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Will Wuehr, Manager: Communications
613-725-3166 ext: 261 or willw@ottawahumane.ca
www.ottawahumane.ca