For Ursula, rescue was the first step in what is becoming a long journey.
While investigating complaints of a large number of dogs in distress on a rural property, Alberta SPCA peace officers discovered Ursula and 36 other mastiffs.
Most of the dogs were surviving in makeshift pens constructed of pallets zip-tied together. Packed snow blocked access to the few dog houses around, and water bowls had frozen solid. Other dogs were confined to a basement where they had no outdoor access. Ursula and the other dogs were in a dire situation and needed immediate rescue.
Rescue: Just the Beginning
After a lengthy and difficult seizure process, the challenges continued. Coordinating care for dozens of dogs at once posed intense logistical hurdles. Local veterinary clinics in the rural area didn’t have the capacity to manage a sudden influx, meaning some dogs needed to be transported hundreds of kilometres to receive the care they needed.
For Ursula, her assessment revealed that she required immediate treatment for dental complications and although she started to physically heal, fear and anxiety persisted.
Ursula struggled to find even a foster home to take her in temporarily. Due to her large size and timid personality, adopters passed on her again and again. Our team tried different shelters for Ursula, hoping that new eyes might land her in a foster—or even better, a forever home. But no avail.
While our partner caregivers at shelters and rescues provide exceptional care, they simply cannot provide forever homes these dogs deserve. From her beginnings marked by neglect to being consistently overlooked, Ursula must have felt the animal welfare system’s strain every step of her journey.
A Fresh Start
Finally, after more than 23 months, Ursula found a foster home. “We have been enjoying the company of the ridiculously soft and sweet Ursula,” her foster family shared. “She is so gentle and easygoing and walks like a dream. She’s low energy in the house and just wants a quiet place to relax.”
The stress of her upbringing still lingers. Loud or sudden noises make her nervous, but the calm environment provides some much-needed respite for a dog who has faced so much.
Ursula still needs more veterinary care before she is cleared for adoption. Her story isn’t over yet, but her journey showcases the need for a strong animal welfare network in our province.
Enforcement and rescue are critical parts of keeping animals safe, but they are only part of a much larger picture. From veterinarians to fosters to shelters, dogs like Ursula need our help every step of the way. Through donor support, the Alberta SPCA is able to provide the care these dogs need, not only through rescue but also by covering veterinary and housing costs for as long as they remain in our care.
You can support animals in distress like Ursula by purchasing tickets to our current Animal Heroes Lottery and 50/50. You’ll have a chance to win while supporting the protection of animals across Alberta. Click here to purchase tickets and help fund animal welfare in Alberta.