It was a merry Christmas and a happy new year for Aslan the German shepherd who was found emaciated in Ladysmith on the evening of Nov. 25.
Having spent the holidays with his foster family, the one-year-old pooch now tips the scales at close to 60 pounds — a far cry from the skeletal 41.8 pounds he was when first rescued.
“Aslan is our holiday miracle — he’s doing incredibly well,” Cowichan SPCA manager Sandi Trent said in a press release. “He’s able to walk now and is terrific with all of his foster fur-siblings — dogs and cats too!”
Photos of the dog walking outdoors surfaced online over Christmas — not a big deal for many dogs but a significant achievement for Aslan, who when found wasn’t able to bear his own weight or maintain his body temperature.
In the months since his rescue, Aslan’s weight and mood have both been on the rise, Trent reported.
“He was fighting for his life from the start, yet even in his weakest state, he was such a kind and gentle soul who would struggle to wag his tail just to greet us,” Trent said. “He’s blossoming into a playful, happy boy as each day passes, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Aslan started on his long road to recovery at the Central Cowichan Animal Hospital, where it took days for him to even lift his head off his bed. Slowly he began to improve and it couldn’t have been done without the loyal vet staff and the strong support of local animal lovers who raised $7,000 toward the dog’s care.
“Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who donated to help Aslan, to the Central Cowichan Animal Hospital, and to all of his many well-wishers,” Trent said. “He’s such a magnificent fellow! A true survivor — we’re hoping his holiday story will have the happiest of endings, in a loving, forever home where he need never worry about being hungry ever again.”