Mercy (formerly Precious) was one of the animals seized from an island property east of Vancouver Island in Nov. 2023, after being found with 43 other animals in unsanitary conditions. (Submitted)

By Jordan Davidson

happy ending

Dog rescued from ‘shockingly unsanitary conditions’ living her best life with mid-Island family

Feb 4, 2024 | 5:49 AM

NANAIMO — After being rescued from awful living conditions, one puppy is now making the most of life after finding her forever home.

In November, 44 animals were found in what was described as “shockingly unsanitary conditions” after being rescued from an island home off the east coast of Vancouver Island.

One of the dogs, now known as Mercy, was adopted in Dec. 2023 by mid-Island resident April, who lost her previous dog Stella to cancer in August.

“She (Mercy) already knew how to play fetch and was bounce-running down the hall with a toy the first day she was here, which happened to be the day after she was spayed. You would never know she just had surgery.”

Knowing she would eventually get another dog after losing Stella, April wanted her new pup to have a friend, so she went to the Nanaimo SPCA and adopted a one-year-old cat named Sadie in October.

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“It took a bit for them to click, but they are now chasing each other up and down the hall for as long as the cat allows it. They nap together, but don’t quite cuddle. Even though they are very lovable, they both are not that fond of cuddling.”

Known at the Nanaimo SPCA as ‘Precious’, April picked up the eight-month-old dog on Dec. 7 from the Parksville SPCA, renamed her Mercy, and brought her home.

April said it didn’t take long for Mercy to settle into her new home, quickly learning how to ask to go outside to do her business, breaking the habit of going where she stood.

It took some time, but Sadie the cat and Mercy the rescue dog have really started to bond. (Submitted)

April said she is doing much better after a rough start to life.

“She has lost some fur on both ears and the top of her head due to lack of nutrition. She is a fussy eater, which makes no sense to me considering the lack of available food for them. She hasn’t touched a crumb of kibble since day three of her living here. She is on a raw diet, but has become more fussy with that too. She doesn’t even like ice cream….unheard of for a dog!”

She said working from home helps maintain Mercy’s well-being and her separation anxiety.

“Given her background, she was never socialized properly and is quite scared of people, but fine with other animals, so, several times before Christmas, I took her to Canadian Tire and stood in the vestibule or just inside the doors to watch them open and close and the people come and go.”

April did have some health concerns for Mercy coming from a home with carpets hardened with feces and mounds of garbage all over.

Diagnosed with a low-grade heart murmur, April is determined to give Mercy the best life possible.

“I just feel very blessed to (have) her in my life.”

The animals were initially sent to the Nanaimo SPCA for treatment with Mercy being transferred to the Parksville SPCA where she met April, who said the staff were excellent to deal with, and made the entire process enjoyable.

The BC SPCA has advised charges should be laid in relation to the Nov. 28, 2023 animal seizure, but charges have yet to be submitted to the Crown, but they are hoping to have it done soon.

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