21/08/2025
Leo and Jasper arrived at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) through no fault of their own. Surrendered due to their family member’s severe allergies 🤧, these two senior pups—Leo, an almost 8-year-old mixed breed 🐶, and Jasper, a nearly 9-year-old small mixed breed 🐕—arrived at our location well groomed and happy ✨.
Both boys had received routine preventative care in their previous home 🩺. But like many animals entering our shelter, they needed more medical attention than anyone expected 💔.
Upon intake, it became clear that neither Leo nor Jasper had been neutered . More pressing, however, was their dental health 🦷—an issue commonly underestimated in pets. Leo had significant tartar buildup and discomfort, while Jasper’s dental disease was even more advanced.
Thanks to our on-site Companion Animal Hospital 🏥, we were able to act quickly. Because of generous donor support 💛, our hospital is equipped with top-of-the-line tools , including a dental suite and digital dental radiology equipment —essential tools that allow us to assess and treat dental disease thoroughly and humanely.
Leo underwent dental surgery requiring eight extractions . Post-surgery, he was placed on a soft food diet 🍲 and a pain management plan 💊. Under the watchful care of our Animal Care staff 🐾, Leo began a week-long recovery—finally free from the chronic pain he had likely endured for some time.
Jasper’s case was more serious 💔. His advanced dental disease required 25 extractions to relieve pain and prevent future complications. His recovery would be longer and involve a more advanced pain management plan, but like Leo, he too was in safe hands 🤲.
Before their recovery from anesthesia, the remaining teeth in both dogs were scaled and polished ✨, leaving them healthier, happier, and on the road to a brighter future 🌟.
At the HBSPCA, we’ve learned to always expect the unexpected 💡. Even animals surrendered with the belief that they're “ready for rehoming” 🏠 can require far more extensive diagnostics, treatment, and ongoing care than originally anticipated. Leo and Jasper’s story is one we see often: senior animals needing compassionate ❤️, often complex care before they’re truly ready to go home.
Here’s the reality—adoption fees don’t cover the cost of care . In the case of Leo and Jasper, their surgeries, medications, monitoring, and aftercare far exceeded the adoption fee. That’s why donor support is not just appreciated—it’s vital 🙏.
Because of our monthly donors and supporters like you , we can keep our doors open 🚪, our hospital stocked with state-of-the-art equipment , and our skilled medical team ready to meet any animal's needs, no matter how unexpected.
To our donors: thank you 💕. Your generosity meant that Leo and Jasper didn’t have to suffer another day in silence . It meant they got the care they needed—compassionate, thorough, and lifesaving 🐾.
We are so proud of the work we do here at the HBSPCA 💛—but we can’t do it alone. Your continued support ensures we can keep helping dogs like Leo and Jasper heal, recover, and find loving homes 🏡 where they can thrive in their golden years 🌞.
Because of you, they can smile again 😁🐶🐶.
