Benji's Story

Benji arrived at Second Chance Animal Rescue after living as a stray. He was severely matted and covered in dog bites and other war wounds. Once groomed, we realized the true extent of the damage suffered: he had abrasions and rashes all over his little 5-pound body.

Sadly, soon after his intake, Benji quickly fell very ill. He became lethargic and would not eat or drink. The vets realized this little dog was in extreme distress and recommend he be put into an incubator, given an IV and kept on 24-hour watch.

Throughout the next few days, Benji's health continued to decline and we started to worry he would not recover. After frequent consultations with Benji’s vet, we decided to perform a plasma transfusion, an expensive procedure but one that could increase his chance of survival.

And it did!

Within days, Benji was able to lift his head and focus his eyes. SCARS was thrilled when one morning, a very excited veterinary technician called Benji’s foster family to inform them he had just eaten his first bite of food in 12 days!

Benji’s story is truly one of survival. He defied all odds! He survived as a stray, even though sadly most small dogs do not, and he survived though an illness even though his heart rate, blood pressure, body weight and body temperature were far too low.

It was because of the perseverance and loving support of Dr. Daryl Meger, Dr. Suzanne Misiaszek and the team at The Whitemud Creek Veterinary Clinic that little Benji is still with us today. Special thanks to Benji's foster mom who not only rode every emotional roller-coaster right by his side, but also provided little Benji with something to care and live for during this traumatic time.

Benji is adopted.