THUNDER BAY — When a 10-year-old Shih Tzu was recovered from a hoarding situation in Thunder Bay last February, prospects for her survival were dim.
She was one of 47 malnourished dogs found in poor condition in a local residence.
After being picked up by the Northern Reach Rescue Network, she and the 15 other dogs with the most serious health issues were transferred to the Toronto Humane Society for care.
Staff there nicknamed her Hearts.
The little dog was diagnosed with about a dozen medical challenges including eye problems, a fractured mandible and a tumor. She also had several behavioural issues from being undersocialized.
Hearts survived, but had to have her eyes removed.
Four other dogs were euthanized because the THS medical team decided it was the most humane option for them.
The remaining animals were hosted in foster homes while they received ongoing treatment, then put up for adoption.
That's what ultimately brought Hearts to get a new name and a new home in the small community of Freelton, northwest of Hamilton.
Last month, Cathy Voelker successfully applied to adopt Hearts, despite the dog's age and the challenges she has getting around.
Voelker then contacted Tbnewswatch after reading our story about the animal rescue last winter.
"I was forwarded your article on the massive dog hoard that was discovered back in February. I cried as I read it because one of those rescued dogs is my new girl, Sweetheart," she wrote.
In an interview this week, Voelker said no one who's seen photos of the miserable-looking dog with the severely matted coat would believe she's the animal who's now become her companion.
"You wouldn't know it was her. She's a happy girl," she said.
Despite being blind, Sweetheart gets around the kitchen well enough to sniff out her food and water bowls.
At other times, Voelker carries her in her arms.
She's adopted numerous rescue dogs over the years, and now has five canine companions.
Voelker only takes in dogs over 10 years old, and has never been disappointed by their behaviour.
"I wouldn't get anything but an older dog. They seem to be more grateful for another chance somehow," she said, adding "Rescue is my favourite breed."
She said she considers herself lucky to have been chosen to adopt Sweetheart after a rigorous screening process that included an interview with the Toronto Humane Society and an interview with the dog's foster caregiver.
One of Voelker's other pets is a Chihuahua that had at least four previous owners, while another had two.
Three of her dogs "have been so wonderful," she said, that they have become St. John Ambulance registered therapy dogs.
Once the pandemic is over, she plans to have Sweetheart evaluated for that role as well.
A spokesperson for the Toronto Humane Society said Tuesday that most of the surviving dogs from the Thunder Bay transfer have now been adopted.
Hannah Sotropa added "It's hard to believe these are the same dogs that arrived at our shelter that bittersweet February evening."
"From the moment they arrived through the duration of the foster period until the moment they were adopted out, they were being looked after by our incredible medical team, shelter staff and foster parents alike," Sotropa said.
Voelker agrees that "It sure takes a village to help those that have no voice...We need more tears for this...Maybe some day more will be done and we won't need so many rescues."
