Entrant's First Name
Judith Lesley

Animal Bio
Pollyanna, previously Tasha, was adopted March 2, 2016, from the BCSPCA Cowichan & District Branch. She was a 6 year old Shih Tzu mix all of 10.9 pounds at the time. This is her story. We had been fostering her in anticipation of a litter of puppies as the Cowichan & District Branch had completed a rescue of dogs from a puppy mill in the area and had 4 females ready to whelp. On Pollyanna's due date, I could see the puppies moving inside, but Pollyanna had no milk and there were no contractions! I phoned the manager of the Branch and she called me back asking me to take Pollyanna to the Central Cowichan Animal Hospital immediately.
Pollyanna was operated on and 4 beautiful puppies were ushered into the world. We took Pollyanna back home to allow her to recuperate from the surgery as the veterinarian had neutered her and removed a tumour from her uterus that was preventing Pollyanna from whelping. She would have to come back to the hospital at a later date for "Dental with Extractions".
A week later, we returned Pollyanna to the shelter. We returned home, but minutes later drove back to the shelter and adopted Pollyanna. She had won our hearts with her bravery.
We wanted time with her to adjust to her new home, but on May 8, 2017, we took Pollyanna in for the dental work. She had severe Tartar and Moderate Gingivitis and was Grade 4 periodontal disease! She had over 20 teeth extracted! Pollyanna had been raised in a garage to provide income for some heartless people.
Pollyanna had not been socialized. We let her take her time getting to accept us. Our other adopted dog, Onyx, helped with the transition. He was her security blanket and she even slept on top of him. She knew how to get along with other dogs. This was the only strength I could see from her six year ordeal.
You would not recognize Pollyanna today as she is a loving, sweet, devoted member of our family. She is proof that it is worth the efforts of the BCSPCA and their numerous dedicated volunteers to exist. Her pups were cared for by other fosters and when they were old enough they were adopted to loving homes. They would not have to endure a heartless owner who only used them for profit.