After being abandoned on an island, Isla gets her second chance 

A chance discovery by a cottage owner closing up their island retreat for the season may have saved Isla’s life. The one-year-old dog was found abandoned on the island, which was only accessible by boat. The Good Samaritan reached out to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society for help. 

“Isla was very scared. She came in thin and covered in ticks from head to toe. Her coat was unkept and she had what appeared to be bite wounds,” says Candice Gordon, Manager, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre. “She also looked like she may have either just delivered puppies or was just weaned off puppies.” 

Treatment, trust and TLC 

No puppies could be located on the island and Isla was transported to the mainland for care. She was seen by a veterinarian, who treated her wounds. Sadly, she also tested positive for Lyme disease and underwent treatment for the tick-borne illness. Through it all, her gentle spirit continued to shine through. 

Like many rescued animals, Isla seemed grateful for the kindness and care shown by the animal centre team and volunteers. Trust came back in small, quiet moments — someone softly talking or reading to her, gentle grooming sessions, and the comfort of snuggling into a warm blanket. 

“She was very timid, but she was a sweet girl who warmed up to the care team here quite quickly and learned to trust us,” says Candice. 

A loving home to call her own 

When it was time for Isla to find a loving family to call her own, she caught the attention of Thomas Soucy. He had recently said goodbye to his own dog and was missing the companionship of a canine friend. He saw the animal centre’s Facebook post about Isla and knew he needed to meet her. The two clicked immediately and Thomas brought Isla home, renaming her Mischief.  

“Mischief is a great girl,” says Thomas. “We both rescued each other. She is doing great and we are both very happy.” 

Help make second chances possible  

The Ontario SPCA finds loving homes for thousands of animals each year. As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, we depend on the generosity of our supporters to give dogs like Isla the second chance they deserve. Please consider making a donation today.