ItB次元官网网址檚 an animal tale worthy of Walt Disney himself.

Five years ago, a young Dalmatian-beagle cross was one of 57 animals B次元官网网址� in various states of distress B次元官网网址� seized by the BC SPCA from a property in south Cloverdale.

At the time, officials called the situation a B次元官网网址渄isgustingB次元官网网址� display of neglect. But for one pup, at least, this sad story has had a very happy ending.

The dog, now, now named Tika, has recently been living the high life in England, where, according to the BC SPCA, she has B次元官网网址渨alked and sniffed almost every corner of London, from the posh neighbourhood of Chelsea to busy Trafalgar Square to even historic Buckingham Palace.B次元官网网址�

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Tika, along with the other dogs seized from what the provincial rescue organization now calls a B次元官网网址減uppy mill situation,B次元官网网址� was initially kept in total isolation as she underwent treatment for various parasites, including ringworm. As well, because the dogs were never fed proper food, Tika also required extensive dental work.

In total, 35 dogs, 16 horses and six cats were rescued from the property, where they lacked proper access to water, food or shelter. The cost to treat the animals was expected to reach $20,000, the organization said at the time.

Tika was B次元官网网址減robably one of the dogs that was better off physically,B次元官网网址� according to Charly Jarrett, the BC SPCAB次元官网网址檚 digital giving specialist. However, B次元官网网址渟he was very much affected mentally.B次元官网网址�

However because she wasnB次元官网网址檛 as dependent on her siblings as the other dogs, Tika was able to be adopted out as a single to her new pet guardian, Stephanie Goldberg.

Goldberg said she fell in love with the pup the moment she saw her on the SPCAB次元官网网址檚 website, but because she had never had a special-needs dog before, she had B次元官网网址渁 million-and-0ne questionsB次元官网网址� about training and rehabilitation before she could seriously consider adopting her.

Eventually, her questions were answered and the adoption process was approved.

While training Tika was ultimately a B次元官网网址渂reeze,B次元官网网址� said Goldberg, it wasnB次元官网网址檛 without a few challenges.

B次元官网网址淭ika was a very nervous little pup when I first got her,B次元官网网址� she recalled. B次元官网网址淪he received excellent foster care but still had a long way to go.B次元官网网址�

Stairs were a struggle for her at first, and she was confused about the purpose of a dog bed.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檇 gotten her a dog bed, but at first she just sat beside it. I donB次元官网网址檛 think she knew it was for her,B次元官网网址� she said.

B次元官网网址淚 kept putting treats in it and sheB次元官网网址檇 crane her neck over the edge, grab the treats, and take them away to eat.B次元官网网址�

Walks were also a challenge at first because Tika B次元官网网址渨as very scared of just about everything.B次元官网网址�

Gradually, however, Tika began to improve, and Goldberg would take her on walks through Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver.

In 2017, the pair moved to London, where life for the now 11-year-old Tika has continued to be good.

B次元官网网址淪he has made a ton of friends here (four and two legged),B次元官网网址� Goldberg said. B次元官网网址淟ondon is actually incredibly dog friendly, and many pubs and restaurants have dog bowls and treats for any dogs who come in. Tika has become a big fan of pubs.B次元官网网址�

Goldberg and Tika belong to a dog social club in London, which Goldberg says has been great for her furry friend.

B次元官网网址淪heB次元官网网址檚 gotten to know and build up familiarity with a pack of dogs and we do all kinds of things together like go on trips to the beach, go to different restaurants, and go for walks together.

B次元官网网址淭ika has absolutely enriched my life, no question about it. The experience of caring for a dog with special needs, helping her relax and gain confidence and watching her progress and grow has been amazing. SheB次元官网网址檚 been the calmest, chillest dog IB次元官网网址檝e ever known.B次元官网网址�

editorial@peacearchnews.com
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