Manitoba rescue group seeks donations to help dog needing leg amputation

Rescuers say he was just too precious to leave behind.

Volunteers with Manitoba Underdogs Rescuefound Bellamy,an eight-month-old shepherd mix,while on a petrescue mission atChemawawinCreeNation last week.

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"Alot of dogs were left behind when the community had to evacuate because of forest fires. We found Bellamy lying on a deckand wasn't able to get up to get food," said Lindsay Gillanders withManitoba Underdogs Rescue.

"He wasn't able to put weight on his back leg and he was wincing in pain."

Gillanders believes Bellamy was hit by a car, crushing his pelvis, femur and knee as a result.Amputating his rear leg is the only option, she said.

WinroseAnimal Hospital in Winnipeg has donated the cost of surgery, but another $500is needed for medication.

Gillanderssaid the rescue group hadmade a decision to not take inany more dogsbecause it is already carrying $8.000 in vet bills from other canines.

However, she said they just couldn't leave Bellamy behind. He was the last dog they took in.

"He's absolutely adorable. He's great. Scruffy, a shepherd, smart as a whip, and so cuddly and loving. He licked one of the rescuers all the way home for the five-hour road trip," said Gillanders.

"We know dogs are incredibly resilient once the leg is gone. He will be running and playing and jumping like a healthy dog in notime."

Bellamy is currently staying in a foster home in St. Boniface. Volunteers with MUR hope to find him the home of his dreams once he recovers.

Donations to the registered charity can be made through Manitoba Underdogs Rescue's website.