SPCA – Ft McMurray's Homepage

Fort McMurray Animals Rescued by SPCA

Pet owners who were forced to leave their pets behind when they evacuated can rest easier because many Fort McMurray animals were rescued by the SPCA. For a lot of pet owners their pets are family, and being forced to choose between safety and evacuating without this beloved family member or staying in danger is not really much of a choice. For some evacuees who were forced to flee the wildfire and evacuated from Fort McMurray taking their pets was not really an option since the people themselves did not really have anywhere to go. Many shelters and emergency housing facilities do not allow animals. In around 96 hours starting on May 5 and ending on May 8 the Fort McMurray SPCA managed to rescue more than 200 animals in the Wood Buffalo area.

On May 10 a Facebook message was posted by the SPCA organization about the Fort McMurray animals which read in part “While we understood how anxious and worried local pet owners would be, as the only local animal welfare organization in the RMWB, it was important to us that we serve our community and did everything we could during this devastating time.” There were also other animal organizations in the area who stepped in after the city was evacuated to rescue any pets who were left behind. Pet owners have been submitting applications to search for their pets and the SPCA workers and other animal rescue organizations deserve a lot of credit for taking care of those who did not have a voice and who could not evacuate on their own.

Tiny Tim, the Rescue Puppy at the SPCA, Has Passed

Tiny Tim, the rescue puppy at the SPCA who was found in a garbage dumpster on Christmas Eve and who managed to recover some since then, has passed away from causes related to his health and medical condition. Tiny Tim was named the most in need resident at the Fort MacMurray SPCA after the 12 week old puppy with Golden Retriever ancestry was rescued on Christmas Eve. When first found the small animal was grossly underweight, he had pulmonary edema which was non genetic, and he was struggling with pneumonia as well. The puppy weighed a mere 5.5 kg when he first arrived at the facility, and by January 27 he had gained almost 3 kg. Tiny Tim seemed to be recovering well, and then two weeks ago the animal needed a joint tap procedure for pressure and pain.

Those at the SPCA who worked with Tiny Tim soon grew to love the puppy. According to a release by the SPCA executive director Tara Clarke “It’s heartbreaking. We were so hopeful of a full recovery from his injuries. He had been receiving emergency and around-the-clock medical care and attention from the doctors and staff at a local veterinary clinic as well as our staff and foster families.” Tiny Tim’s condition worsened because of complications from the pneumonia that he had when he was rescued. Clarke continued by stating “Animal neglect is a concern in our province and our region. We’re not always lucky enough to reach every animal in time to save them, but Tiny Tim was recovering very well until he started struggling again last week from secondary conditions caused by the pneumonia. After returning him from an emergency vet appointment, he simply didn’t have the strength to recover from his extensive injuries.” wish I could say Tiny Tim’s story was an isolated incident in our community, but it’s simply not the case. We rely entirely on donations from the public and local businesses in order to continue our programs and services and offer animals in need the second chance they deserve.”