A man in Kelowna, B.C. recently discovered an emaciated dachshund left abandoned down an embankment. The man first spotted a pet carrier, which he initially assumed to be empty. Upon further investigation, he saw a severely malnourished dachshund inside the carrier. The dog was covered in feces and urine, his collar entangled in the carrier’s door in a manner that severely restricted his movement.

The dog was brought into an emergency vet clinic, where he was treated and released to the B.C. SPCA’s care to rest and recover in one of the organization’s foster homes.

Shannon Paille, manager of the B.C. SPCA’s Kelowna animal centre, described the situation as miraculous, considering the dog’s precarious condition and the remote location where he was found. The dachshund, named Wilfred by B.C. SPCA staff, was emaciated, dehydrated, anemic, and bore signs of injuries including a puncture wound on his upper lip and scars on his nose.

“It really is a miracle the dog was found,” Paille explains, “The Good Samaritan shared with me that he usually rides much further up the mountain than where he stopped and doesn’t know why he chose to stop there.”

“We have been trying to find Wildred’s owner,” says Paille. “We found a microchip, but it wasn’t registered.”

As Wilfred continues his journey towards recovery, he will remain on a refeeding plan under veterinary supervision.

Those interested in donating to the B.C. SPCA can visit medical.spca.bc.ca. Petsecure Pet Health Insurance has pledged to match donations up to $3,500.