Nova. (Prince Albert SPCA/ Facebook)

By Ian Gustafson

Nova Update

Local SPCA rescue healing well after surgery

Feb 21, 2020 | 3:54 PM

A seven-month-old retriever dog taken into the Prince Albert SPCA’s care two months ago is now recovering after a leg amputation last week.

Nova was found in December out in the cold dragging her front right leg. After seeing a veterinarian, it was confirmed to be broken.

Even though her bones were healing in her leg, the nerve damage prevented her from having any feeling or control in the appendage. Despite the circumstances, Nova stole the hearts of many on social media and the Prince Albert community raised just under $3,000 for her vet bills.

Prince Albert SPCA Manager Ashlee Bober told paNOW on Feb. 13 Nova visited the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. After examining her it was determined it was in her best interest to amputate the leg the following day.

“There was absolutely no muscle tissue left in her leg. It was just completely deadweight and she had absolutely no use in it,” Bober said. “The vets were really concerned that if we didn’t remove the leg that she would self mutilate the leg.”

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Nova after her surgery. (Prince Albert SPCA/Facebook)

Nova is currently back with her foster family healing from the surgery and Bober said while she’s learning to walk on three legs, the healing brought a new personality to life.

“She is so free of having that leg gone now that she is just the most energetic little thing ever, obviously because it was a big surgery, we are limiting her exercise,” she said. “She is definitely letting us know vocally that she wants to go running and playing with her buddies again.”

The local SPCA branch is accepting adoption applications for Nova, but it will be a few weeks until she is ready for a new home. Once her stitches are removed, staff members will review the applications. Bober said they’ve received around 30 applications to adopt the sought-after puppy.

“It’s kind of too good to be true because there’s a lot of applications that would be perfect for her and ultimately we’re having to make sure we find what’s best for Nova and make sure ultimately at the end of the day that Nova picks her people too,” she said.

She is adapting to life with three legs well and Bober said Nova is just as fast as other dogs. The only struggle is Nova was used to having the leg to fall on when she stumbles.

“Just to see her how happy she is right now and she’s getting more vocal, she’s getting more confident just to see this little extra boost of life in her,” she said. “It means the world to be able to have the help to be able to do things like this for her.”

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ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12