By Ian Holmes

Lantzville dog saved from death makes remarkable recovery

Oct 13, 2017 | 5:54 PM

NANAIMO — A neglected dog found nearly drained to death by bloodsucking fleas has made a dramatic turnaround.

Rascal, a beleagured 14-year-old terrier from the Lantzville area, was taken into SPCA custody in late July and has been in foster care under the watchful eye of Barb Jubenville and her husband for two months.

“He was very fearful of strangers, fearful of us…as we had him he gradually learned to trust,” Jubenville told NanaimoNewsNOW.

She said Rascal has received extensive attention from vets, including surgery to remove 11 rotted teeth.

Jubenville noted when she and her husband first started caring for Rascal he was drastically underweight with bones protruding from his hips and spine.

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She said Rascal has gained weight, become familiar with his surroundings and is trusting, joyful and social.

“He now barks to go out and barks to come back in. He is now very, very affectionate with us and when strangers come to the house or approach him he no longer shows any signs of fear at all.”

When Jubenville first laid eyes on Rascal she said he “was willing to give up on life.” She said it makes her feel good that she’s helped him turn his life around.

“He can live the rest of his days the way he should have been able to right from the get-go, but unfortunately wasn’t able to. It’s why I foster, it’s very rewarding.”

Fostering animals is nothing new for Jubenville — Nanaimo and District SPCA staff have turned to her to care for hundreds of dogs and cats over about 12 years.

Local SPCA branch manager Leon Davis said as sad as Rascal’s story is, widespread media attention about his plight put into focus how dangerous fleas are.

“A lot of people were shocked about how much a flea infestation can affect the health of an animal and how much it can grow,” Davis said. “The Pacific Northwest is one of the worst places in the world for fleas, it’s the perfect environment.”

The BC SPCA estimated 100,000 fleas sucked 85 per cent of Rascal’s blood.

Davis said the fact there are blood donors for dogs also wasn’t common knowledge prior to Rascal’s story going public.

He said Rascal is almost ready to be adopted into a permanent home.

“There has been a landslide of people interested in adopting him.”

The BC SPCA confirmed it will recommend animal cruelty charges to Crown Counsel regarding Rascal’s previous treatment.

Spokeswoman Lorie Chortyk said the constable in charge of the case is waiting for one final piece of information before an evidence report can be submitted.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes