A tiny dog that was picked up a week ago by a Good Samaritan while wandering on Prior Street in Victoria is now in foster care, fighting for its life and suffering from years of neglect.
The Shih Tzu -- nicknamed Tiny, because she is unusually small -- has open sores on her feet and body, the result of heavy matting. She was treated at Elk Lake Veterinary Hospital and is under 24-hour care at a foster home.
"You couldn't even see her paws, they were encased in matting," said B.C. SPCA constable Erika Paul of Tiny's condition when she was picked up Aug. 2.
"As they revealed her paws, they were able to see that both her back paws were infected, open and full of maggots."
A similar open sore near the base of her tail was also full of maggots, Paul said.
The dog also has severe dental neglect, and dehydration has led to organ failure. Her toenails were badly overgrown.
"This little girl has been in a lot of pain for a long time," Paul said Wednesday.
Tiny has recovered somewhat after receiving fluids through an intravenous tube but has to be fed by hand, either because she's too sick or her teeth are too painful for her to eat on her own.
Leaving a dog in this condition is "despicable," Paul added. The SPCA has located the dog's owner and is recommending charges of neglect and cruelty.
"It is heartbreaking because this poor, sweet dog is fighting for her life from conditions that were completely preventable," Paul said.
Anyone convicted of animal cruelty faces up to five years in jail, a fine of up to $75,000 and a ban on owning animals.
smcculloch@timescolonist.com
