A miniature poodle named Oscar, who was discovered in a garbage bin in Pacific Spirit Regional Park last week, is on the road to recovery after undergoing surgery. The dog, found with multiple injuries including a dislocated hip, fractured elbow, and several broken ribs, is expected to make a full recovery, according to his veterinarian, Michael King.
“We should not anticipate him to have any significant long-term problems,” said King, a veterinary surgeon at Canada West. He described Oscar as a “sweet little dog” who is friendly with people and a relatively easy patient. “He’s become quite a fan favourite very quickly,” he added.
Oscar was found on April 3 by Terry Sparrow, who was walking the Camosun Trail with his fiancée, Krista Brisk. Sparrow described the sight of Oscar as “horrifying,” as the dog was in “terrible” condition, not making any noise and unable to walk. Sparrow and Brisk immediately took him to a vet for care and found a temporary home for him.
Oscar’s injuries are consistent with blunt force trauma, such as being hit by a car. Despite the severity of his injuries, he has shown great resilience. He was named after “Oscar the Grouch,” the Sesame Street character who lived in a garbage can, and placed under the care of the Squamish and Neighbourhood Animal Partnership and Protection Society.
Oscar has been living with Laurie Schildt, a volunteer with the organization, in North Vancouver while he recovers. The incident has prompted an investigation by the RCMP, though the circumstances surrounding how Oscar ended up in the garbage remain unclear.
Veterinarian King confirmed that Oscar should be able to return to his foster home by Friday and expects the dog to continue recovering in the coming months.