SPCA caring for injured dog left at Penticton daycare

Photo: Contributed

Okie the dog was abandoned at a Penticton doggy daycare.

UPDATE: This story has been updated to reflect new information from the SPCA. The SPCA originally released news that Okie had been abandoned, but has provided a revision to that statement. 

The BC SPCA is caring for an injured pomeranian who they initially thought was abandoned at a Penticton doggie daycare, but have this afternoon discovered the daycare were aware that sadly the owner had a life tragedy and could not care for the dog, so they agreed to look after him temporarily.

Little Okie, who is about five years old, was taken to the SPCA after staff at the daycare had taken care of him for a month and it was clear his owner could not come back for him. 

It was discovered he had a terrible oral disease and a piece of spear grass stuck between two molars that was migrating towards his eyeballs, and he needed 22 teeth pulled. 

Okie's first surgery was hard and they were able to get 17 teeth, and the remaining five will come out when he is healed. 

Even though the little guy was in severe pain likely for years, staff say Okie was always happy and greets all animals and humans alike with a wagging tail. 

The SPCA says part of what makes caring for Okie difficult is the lack of medical history. They have a detailed surrender process for people giving up their animals that includes a history and dietary needs. 

"When people realize they can’t care for their animals anymore, it is the kindest choice they can make is bring them to your local shelter," they wrote in a press release.

Donations toward Okie's surgeries and care, as well as the other animals the SPCA tends to, can be made here.