Dog recovering with new family after bear encounter in Northern B.C.

A brave dog is now living the good life after a bear encounter in Northern B.C..

“Rocky came into the BC SPCA’s care with an enormous, dreadful wound on his neck that was badly infected because of a lack of veterinary care,” said Assistant Manager of the Vancouver Animal Centre Mandy Isaacs.

“He was transferred to Vancouver from Northern B.C. so he could receive the treatment he desperately needed.”

According to the BC SPCA, Rocky required sedation to clean the wound and have the damaged tissue removed.

X-rays also revealed an old jaw fracture that had started healing on its own, and his coat showed signs of a  tough life lived outdoors without much veterinary care.

Since then, Rocky has found a new home.

“When I first met him, he was sitting in the reception area of the animal centre because he was still recovering from his wound,” said Rocky’s new guardian Sarah.

“I sat down with him and petted him; gave him a few treats and we just had this instant connection – I had to bring him home.”

Rocky quickly got used to his new home.

“It only took him two days to be comfortable,” Sarah said.

“We were shocked it happened that quickly. He claimed his bed right away.”

Sarah added they’re still taking care of the neck injury and making sure it stays clean, and they’ve had to help him eat due to his jaw injury.

“His jaw injury means he uses his tongue more than other dogs,” she said.

“We have been giving him softer food and angled his bowl to make eating easier for him.”

Sarah adds his favourite toy is his soft, fluffy football, and his favourite thing to do is a neck scrunch and sitting in the garden.