* Snickers has been adopted by his foster family! Yippee! *

Snickers was found as a stray and brought to Hamilton Animal Services. When he arrived, Snickers was extremely matted, he had a severe ear infection, and a large, nasty tumour on his back. Shelter staff sent him to their vet to be shaved down and get basic treatment started for the tumour and ears. Because Snickers was fussing with the tumour, he was fitted with an inflatable collar to prevent him from irritating it further. After the shelter vet visit, Snickers was sent back to Animal Services to wait out his stray time. Snickers’ owner was aware that he was at the shelter but they did not claim him.
Shelter staff reached out to us for help with Snickers, and we were happy to get him out of the shelter and straight to the vet on his rescue day.
On the list for Snickers: tumour removal, neutering, ear lesion removal, and much needed dental surgery. That’s a lot to have done at once, but we know this sweet guy will feel so much better afterwards. And he has a loving foster home where he can take all the time he needs to heal. Snickers will be a lovely companion for someone when he’s eventually ready to find his forever home.

Welcome to Ladybird, Snickers! We’re so happy you’re here!

June 2/24 UPDATE
Snickers did great for his surgeries. The tumour on his back was removed and sent away for testing. He had 10 teeth extracted. The vet removed as many of the lesions in Snickers’ ear canals that she could. There were so many lesions, they were blocking the ear canal and harbouring infection throughout. There is a chance Snickers will have to have a second, more specialized surgery for this ear canal issue if the lesions return, but we will have to wait and see. While he was under, Snickers was neutered and a microchip was implanted.
That was a very big day for this sweet boy, but he has the most wonderful foster family to help him recover in comfort and love.

Good job, Snickers!

July 7/24 UPDATE

Snickers update from his foster mom!
“This sweet little fellow has had quite a busy few weeks. That first week after his surgeries was a very rough go for him. But this sweet boy rebounded and continues to heal. He presents with many types of ear infection that require different antibiotics and ear drops. Every day, it is evident that his lovely and perky personality is coming forward as his overall health improves. He has had opportunity to see the vet regularly (thank you to everyone who has donated to Ladybird) and trots into the clinic with no fear. Staple removal, ear checks and weigh ins do not seem to hold him back. He is still a bit underweight, but he is happy to eat!
He loves his foster sister dogs and brother cats. He does steal their beds! He loves his foster sister dogs and enjoys cuddling with them. He lets them enjoy their food and treats with no jealousy.
In the last 2 weeks, he has been well enough to go on long walks and recently has visited the local leash free parks. He loves every dog he meets and watches his foster sister very carefully. He keeps his eye on his foster parent and never strays too far away.
His ears continue to be a real concern and he is quite deaf. With a small vibrating attachment on his collar, he is starting to learn to stop and look for his person when his attention is distracted off-leash. We are early days yet in this. He is learning some sign and gesture language for come, go, stop (so far). He is such a smart little guy.
He is a joy to have around. His favourite hobbies are cuddling, hanging out with whoever is in the room and napping, being with humans, chasing toys, snacks, being good, going on walks, trotting and running (with that cute ear bop!), meeting new friends (human and canine), stealing cat cushions of the couch and sleeping on them, stealing hearts and, bringing smiles with his little elven smile. He is 6 and a half kilos of pure love and complete cuteness.”
❤️
Snickers will be available for adoption once his health issues are resolved as much as they can be.

August 1/24 UPDATE

Snickers is finally ready to find his forever home!
Here’s a note from his foster mom:
“This sweet Little Big Dog has had quite a busy time since he came to Ladybird. After being rescued by Ladybird from his possible last days at Hamilton Animal Services, Dr. Stubbs determined that it was important to have immediately surgery to remove the on the tumour on his back, try to clear his ears, dental and neutering. That first week was a very rough go for him. But this sweet boy rebounded and continues to heal. He presents with many types of infection that require different antibiotics and ear drops. This is going to be an ongoing care challenge for him. His ears continue to be a real concern and he is quite deaf. Monitoring of his skin and care and follow up with the vet will be a commitment in time and finances. He will likely require an annual blood test to ensure overall health.
Every day, it is evident that his lovely and perky personality is coming forward as his overall health has improved. It is hard to believe that he is the same little dog. He has had opportunity to see the vet regularly (thank you to everyone who has donated and to Ladybird) and trots into clinic with no fear. Staple removal, ear checks and weigh-ins do not seem to hold him back. He is still a bit underweight, but he is happy to eat!

With a small vibrating attachment on his collar, he is starting to learn to stop and look for his person when his attention is distracted off-leash. He is learning some sign and gesture language for come, go, stop (so far). He is such a smart little guy!
In the last month, he has started to bark! He barks when he wants to come inside and when he is playing with his foster sister! It is very cute.
He is a joy to have around. His favourite hobbies are cuddling, hanging out with who ever is in the room and napping, being with humans, chasing toys, snacks, being good, going on walks, trotting and running (with that cute ear bop!), meeting new friends (human and canine), stealing cat cushions of the couch and sleeping on them, stealing hearts and, bringing smiles with his little elven smile. He is pure love and complete cuteness.
He could fit in with anyone who has cats or another dog. He does will with a routine and calm house.”