Emaciated dachshund rescued in Kelowna: BC SPCA

A dachshund that was thrown down a Kelowna embankment, starving, shivering and covered in urine and feces, is lucky to be alive.

The BC SPCA says the dachshund, named Wilfred, was found by a mountain biker heading to some trails along Postil Road.

“While unloading his bicycle from his truck, he noticed a light reflecting off something along the embankment,” the SPCA wrote.

“He went to look and saw a pet carrier. He assumed it was empty, but wanted to double check. Luckily he did.”

Wilfred’s collar was stuck through the carrier door, preventing him from moving, the association said.

The mountain biker and his partner immediately took Wilfred to a veterinary clinic.

“It’s truly a miracle that the dog was found,” said Shannon Paille, manager of the BC SPCA’s Kelowna animal center.

“The Good Samaritan told me that he usually drives much further up the mountain than where he stopped and doesn’t know why he chose to stop there.”

Paille says she isn’t sure how long Wilfred would have lived, as it seems like he had been there for a while.

Wilfred was emaciated, dehydrated and anemic, with a puncture through his upper lip and scars on his nose.

After receiving treatment for his wound and developing a plan to safely regain his weight, Wilfred was released from the vet clinic to the BC SPCA and is now recovering in a foster home.

“We’ve been trying to find Wilfred’s owner,” Paille said. “We found a microchip, but it was not registered.”

BC SPCA staff say Wilfred’s personality is starting to emerge as he recovers, and he is now wearing a sweater to limit discomfort and keep him warm.

The mountain biker and his partner told the BC SPCA they are relieved to see Wilfred is recovering.

“They were so scared when they took him to the vet clinic,” Paille said. “His eyes were so sad. He looked like he had lost hope.”

While it is uncertain when Wilfred will be healthy enough to be adopted, the BC SPCA says donations for his and other animals’ care through Petsecure Pet Health Insurance will be matched up to $3,500.