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Rottweiler Twister healing in West Van following donation from anonymous 'angel'

An anonymous donor recently contributed nearly $10,000 to the BC SPCA to help a dog with deformed legs.
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An anonymous donor recently contributed nearly $10,000 to the BC SPCA to help a dog with deformed legs.

The West Vancouver SPCA started a medical emergency fund page on March 2 for Twister, a 10-month-old Rottweiler mix, whose front legs are twisted at an awkward angle. The SPCA reached their fundraising goal of $11,080 goal within three days after an anonymous donor chipped in $9,915.  

“He’s a regular donor who loves the medical emergency giving,” said West Vancouver SPCA branch manager Charlotte Ellice. “My jaw dropped, I couldn't believe we had received this amount and raised the entire funds for Twister so quickly, this donor is truly an angel!”

Named after his leg deformity, Twister came to the SPCA on February 11 as a stray with no identification after he was found near Ambleside park by a West Vancouver bylaws officer. Twister was transferred to Canada West Veterinary Specialists & Critical Care Hospital on Kootney St. in Vancouver, which specializes in orthopedic surgery. The young Rottweiler’s x-rays suggested he required immediate surgery.

"(The x-rays) confirmed that it was likely a breakage . . . and because it fractured right on the growth part, that’s why his legs then grew the way that they did, in a very deformed, twisted way,” Ellice said.

Twister had his first surgery on his right leg on March 10 and is currently recovering at a foster home, where he’s expected to recoup within six to eight weeks. Depending on how the right one heals, he may or may not need surgery for his left leg. If the surgery isn’t needed, the rest of the money raised will go to other animals in need.

Ellice says they’ve already gotten applicants who want to adopt Twister but right now their goal is to get him healthy. 

“I have no doubt that he'll find a home really quickly, I mean he's a young puppy, he's got a great disposition, super social with people and dogs, I mean he's just a really happy go lucky puppy,” she said.

Ellice advises pet owners to have their animals spayed or neutered and to make sure they are registered and have identification.

“If you can't afford those things come and talk to an SPCA shelter and we can look at other options. The other thing is, if you're in a situation that you have an animal that is injured and you cannot financially cover those costs, again contact your local SPCA and we can help you, “she said.