Toy Poodle Found Buried in a Trash Can—What He Survived Will Break Your Heart
Terry Sparrow and Krista Brisk—a couple from Vancouver, B.C.—were enjoying a leisurely stroll through Pacific Spirit Park on an early April day when they discovered something shocking. As the couple walked, Terry opened a trash can to throw something away, but was startled when he noticed movement and quickly shut the lid. Thinking it must be a rat or raccoon, Terry tentatively peeked back inside and was shocked to see a tiny dog buried under a layer of garbage. (Watch Video Below)
@globalnews.ca Oscar the miniature poodle is recovering after being discovered in a trash bin at Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver, B.C. last week. The tiny dog underwent surgery for a broken leg, a dislocated hip and fractured ribs, and has received support, love and donations from around the world. #Poodle #Dog #DogRescue #Vancouver ♬ original sound – Globalnews.ca
Terry and Krista quickly got the little dog out of the trash can, but they could tell he was in rough shape and wore no identification. The dog made no sound and could barely hold himself up; something very bad had happened long before this dog had been dumped in the trash.
“You could see it was pretty banged up. It couldn’t stand very long, couldn’t walk—it kept flopping over,” said Terry Sparrow, recounting the discovery in an interview.
Seeing that the dog’s condition was dire, Terry and Krista rushed the pup to a vet, where medical staff and local rescuers got involved.
Oscar Goes Into Emergency Surgery for Extensive Injuries
Given the name ‘Oscar’ by his team of vets and rescuers, the little dog was immediately assessed. Likely an older adult toy Poodle, Oscar was in terrible shape, and vets discovered that he had a dislocated hip, three broken ribs, and a broken leg requiring surgery. Oscar was also lethargic and dehydrated, and showing signs of possible neurological issues, though vets suspected these could be due to his extensive trauma.
While he waited to have surgery, Oscar was sent to rest and start recovery in a foster home with Laurie Schildt. Laurie immediately started doting on Oscar, giving him lots of soft blankets, love, and even a stroller so he could go outside and enjoy the fresh air despite his injuries. Oscar also started slowly coming out of his shell, giving everyone a few glimmers of hope that he would make it through.
It was decided that Oscar would need two surgeries, one for his fractured leg and one for his dislocated hip. Thankfully, both went well, but Oscar still had a long road to recovery ahead and an uncertain future.
Foster Fail: Oscar Finds a Forever Home
Laurie continued to help Oscar heal, and he continued to come out of his shell. Little by little, Oscar started to trust Laurie, and Laurie fell deeper in love. Around a week after Oscar and Laurie met, Laurie announced that she would be adopting Oscar!
Now, a few weeks later, Oscar is well on his way to a full recovery! He is starting to be mischievous and silly, showing his spunky side. He loves to snuggle with his new mom and has been going on car rides, making new doggy friends, and being loved on by everyone he meets.
“Oscar has stolen my heart and he truly is inspiring,” says Laurie, Oscar’s new adoptive mom. “Dogs are so resilient, they amaze me every day.”
Sweet Oscar survived horrifying trauma and abandonment, being quite literally thrown out like trash by the humans who should have loved and protected him. Despite his painful origin story, Oscar still has tons of love to give and proves just how committed to happiness and connection dogs are.
If Oscar’s story of resilience has inspired you, consider visiting your local shelter and inquiring about how to adopt a dog—millions of adoptable pets are waiting!
