Loveable dog duo that sparked $38,000 in donations to BC SPCA now up for adoption

Photo: BC SPCA

A pair of adorable dogs that had prompted an outpouring of donations to the BC SPCA are ready to be adopted.

Bonded pair Captain and Maria were starving, skinny and nervous of people when they seized by the SPCA's Salmon Arm branch in December.

The two Akbash dogs were in dire need of medical assistance and surgery, with costs estimated at $3,000.

Their plight saw a medical emergency fund raise more than $38,000 for the pair.

Shuswap volunteer Mark Montemurro generously matched all donations up to $5,000 towards Captain and Maria’s care. Extra funds went towards the care of other animals.

“It was clear their life so far had not been easy and that these dogs hadn’t seen the best of humanity,” says Victoria Olynik, manager of the Shuswap SPCA.

“We can’t recall seeing a more bonded pair of dogs, they are completely inseparable,” says Olynik. “One won’t walk without the other, if you take one out, you take them both or no one is going anywhere.”

Their new humans should have experience with big dogs, as they each weigh 100 pounds.

The pair are said to be “very affectionate” and are in foster care until a permanent home can be found.

If you're interested, Captain and Maria's ID numbers are 521379 and 521380, and adoption applications can be made here.