Three-legged dog Dozer finds his stride!

Dozer is a gentle giant with a love for life, and sadly a chronic elbow dislocation that required amputation. In the care of the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre, the Great Pyrenees learned to embrace life on three legs, never missing a stride. 

When he arrived in our care, 10-month-old Dozer had a joint out of place, which had been like that for some time, causing damage to the leg. Amputation was recommended to give him a pain-free life. 

Before the surgery, the veterinary care team did radiographs to ensure the other three legs were healthy and could support Dozer. In general, animals recover quickly from limb amputations, and Dozer was no exception.  

“He bounced back so fast, he was using the three legs perfectly right after day one of the surgery,” says Mackenzie Nicholson, Veterinary Technician at the York Region Animal Centre. 

During the healing process, Mackenzie and the team monitored Dozer’s incision, checked bandages, and ensured he stayed quiet so he could heal. The team also kept his mind busy with regular walks, enrichment treat boxes, and puppy play dates. She says Dozer quickly became a staff favourite.  

“A gentle giant, nothing stopped him from being happy,” says Mackenzie. “As long as he had people around to love him, he was so happy.” 

Once healed, Dozer didn’t have to wait long for his new family. Georgina and her son originally came to the centre to meet the puppies available for adoption, but she says the minute she saw Dozer, she knew he would be coming home with her. 

“He was so gentle. He just came and put his head on my knee, and that was it!” says Georgina. 

They took him home that day and renamed him “Bran” after “Bran the Broken” from Game of Thrones. The next day, the family returned to adopt Pearl, and Georgina says the two dogs have been inseparable ever since. 

“He’s definitely a big brother,” Georgina says. “He’s very protective of the puppy.” 

To ensure the best quality of life possible, Georgina asked for a referral to the Guelph Referral Hospital and Emergency Clinic. They left the assessment with lots of exercises and helpful tips. Bran is recovering well and fully embracing his tripod life. 

“He’s a joy – an absolutely joy. He’s so precious,” says Georgina.  

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