Saved from a dumpster, Korra gets a new start
On a frigid winter’s night, Korra’s story nearly ended tragically inside a dumpster in an Ajax alleyway.
Instead, thanks to a good Samaritan, the team at the Humane Society of Durham Region, along with caring volunteers and her adopter, Korra’s life has forever changed for the better.
“It was 20 degrees below – the kind of air that makes your lungs hurt,” says Shannon Stephenson, Manager of the Humane Society of Durham Region. “The folks in Durham believe in helping vulnerable people and animals alike, so the warming centre in Ajax was open for anyone who needed a warm place to sleep – including their four-legged friends.”
One of the shelter staff went outside to check if anyone was waiting to come in. He was about to go back inside when he heard a soft whimper that chilled him even more than the cold. He followed the sound to a dumpster on a neighbouring property. He shone his flashlight inside and noticed with horror that one of the garbage bags was wriggling. He hoisted the bag out of the dumpster and untied it. There he found a three-month-old puppy, freezing cold and shaking with fear.
He immediately held the puppy to his chest and rushed back inside the warming centre.
“Other workers and guests gathered around, contributing blankets and even their jackets to help the freezing pup,” says Shannon.
In the morning, Korra was taken to the Humane Society of Durham Region. As soon as she arrived, she received a complete veterinary examination.
“Thankfully, she’d been rescued from the dumpster in the nick of time and received a clean bill of health,” says Shannon. “This sweet, energetic pup soon won the hearts of all the staff at the animal centre.”
It wasn’t long before Korra also won the heart of her adopter, Tamara.
“Korra has changed my life,” says Tamara. “She’s a wonderful companion who is always excited to see me – even if I was only gone five minutes. She’s a very caring, outgoing dog who loves to bond with other dogs at the park and get pats from everyone.”
From the cusp of tragedy to a life forever changed for the better, Korra’s story personifies the value of the work that the Ontario SPCA and partnering humane societies does for animals in need every day across the province.
As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, please consider donating today to help ensure we can be there for animals like Korra who end up on our doorstep in urgent need of care.
