Monty came into Hamilton Animal Services as a stray. Serious signs of neglect were present when he arrived, including extreme matting and open sores on several parts of his body, some of which had maggots in them. He must have been feeling so awful, but he was extremely friendly with all the shelter staff. While Monty waited for his owners to come looking for him (which they never did), he tolerated shelter staff cleaning up his wounds and giving him lots of love and attention. During the weeks he spent at the shelter, staff noted that Monty didn’t have a lot of energy, and would often lay down shortly after doing his business when he was in the outdoor run, or while out for short walks in the grassy area next to the shelter. He had a habit of panting very heavily at times, and had the occasional cough. But through it all, Monty had a wagging tail for everyone he met.
We were thrilled to get this sweet boy out of the shelter when a foster home opened up. Monty had a vet visit on his rescue day, and unfortunately, he has quite a number of internal medical issues. An ultrasound showed spots on his lungs and liver that are possibly cancerous. Xrays showed that he is suffering from spondylosis, which is a degenerative disorder caused by abnormal growth of bone in the spine. Masses were found on his bum area that are also likely cancerous. Because of his age and his overall condition, Monty is not a candidate for surgery to try to cure or correct any of these problems, but he was started on a long-term pain management medication.
Because of all his health issues, we’ve made Monty a Ladybird permanent resident. This means he’ll stay with his foster family for the remainder of his life, and we will continue to cover the cost of his medical care, food and supplies.
Monty has lots of very comfy beds to sleep in, and a big backyard to take his time to explore. His very sweet and caring foster family are the perfect fit for him, and we’re so glad he found them to spend the rest of his days.
Despite his guarded prognosis, we are happy this adorable dog is safe and loved, never to be abandoned or neglected again.

We love you Monty!

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* UPDATE February 27/24 *
Our sweet senior permanent resident Monty went in for surgery at a specialist clinic to remove the many masses around his bum, and to receive a long overdue neuter. Thankfully the surgery went well, and neutering him will help to prevent the masses from reappearing.
Due to Monty’s advanced age and the serious nature of the surgery, it came with a scary price tag of $8,000 to $9,000. Please send Monty some love and support today! If you’re able to contribute to help with the cost of his care we know Monty would be so grateful. Special thanks to Monty’s forever foster family for going the extra mile to make sure he makes his appointments and is supported in the ways that he so deserves.

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March 25/24 UPDATE
We need all your love and well wishes to be sent to our sweet Monty (a Ladybird permanent resident).
He was admitted to an emergency clinic on Saturday, and is still there today. Despite the many tests they’ve run, we’re still not sure what is causing him to feel ill, but hopefully we will know more later today once he has had further tests done.
We adore this special boy, and we are hoping to get some answers so he can get on the road to recovery, and go back home with his forever foster family.
We love you, Monty! Please feel better soon!

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March 26/24 UPDATE
Monty has been on a roller coaster since yesterday. Just when it seems like things are improving, he has a setback. His fever broke, then spiked again. He was up and walking, then was back to not being able to get up.
The vets are still not sure what’s causing him to be so ill, but they’re doing everything they can to help him.
Monty had a CT scan yesterday, and the vets will be going over the results with us today. We really hope the results will give us some answers.
We just want this sweet boy to feel better.
Keep fighting, Monty! We’re all rooting for you!

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March 27/24 UPDATE
Monty’s health has improved a just little, but we’re grateful for that little!
Monday’s CT scans were mostly inconclusive, so they’re repeating them again today. Hopefully this time we can get some answers.
Thank you to Monty’s forever foster mom for keeping us updated with these videos, and for providing Monty some comfort during his hospital stay.
We love you, sweet Monty! Keep fighting!

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April 2/24 UPDATE
We’re thrilled to report that Monty has left the vet hospital and is back in his foster home!
His surgery on Thursday was a success, and after a couple more days of care, he was finally eating on his own and able to be discharged from hospital.
We want to send a thank you to all the vets and staff at Lakeshore Animal Health Partners for taking such great care of Monty during his extended stay.
And thank you to Monty’s amazing foster family for being there for him through his ordeal. And a massive thank you to everyone who donated, bought 50/50 tickets, and who sent love and well wishes to Monty. We couldn’t do any of what we do without your kindness and support. Thank you!
We’re hopeful that Monty will continue to heal and will be back to his sweet senior self very soon.
Way to go, Monty!

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April 18/24 UPDATE
Monty continues to improve after his lengthy hospital stay. His foster family are going above and beyond to give him the care he needs after surgery. Big love for them!
Being a senior dog it will take longer for him to recover from his ordeal, but we’re thankful he is feeling better every day.

Go Monty!

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May 3/24 UPDATE

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August 12/24 UPDATE

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August 13/24 UPDATE
Thanks for all the love for Monty!
All went well with his surgery, though the mass is a bit more complex than first thought. A sample has been sent out for testing, and we are keeping our fingers crossed!
Good job, Monty!

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August 30/24 UPDATE
We’re so sad to tell you that we had to let our sweet, sweet Monty go.
On top of a sudden neurological issue that caused Monty to become unstable on his feet, the mass on his foot turned out to be cancerous. The way the mass was positioned between his toes meant having to remove his entire foot to treat it. With his age, health issues, and declining mobility, surgery just wasn’t an option. The cancerous mass remained raw and open. Even when wrapped, Monty’s foot would quickly bleed through the bandages. Monty’s body was breaking down beyond repair, and though he was trying his best to be the trooper that we all know, we knew he was in pain and was no longer happy.
This incredible dog overcame so much in the year he spent with us. His loving foster home gave him the very best life each and every day he was with them. The good days and the bad days, they were right by his side, spoiling and supporting him through it all. We are so thankful for the love and care they gave to Monty. He was at home and in their arms when he passed. Right where we know he would want to be.

Sleep well, Monty. We will never forget your sweet face.