“I knew I had to do everything in my power to help him.”
While walking through Vancouver’s Pacific Spirit Park, animal lovers Terry Sparrow and Krista Brisk came across something that stopped them in their tracks. Sparrow, reaching to toss away his gum, noticed movement inside a trash can. At first, he assumed it was just a raccoon or squirrel — but as he leaned in for a closer look, his heart sank. Buried under heaps of garbage was a fluffy brown dog, barely visible and completely still.
“It was heartbreaking,” Sparrow told North Shore News. “I’m just so thankful we were there when we were. I still can’t believe someone would throw a dog away like that.”
Without hesitation, Sparrow and Brisk pulled the dog from the trash and began seeking help. The next morning, they got in touch with Laurie Schildt, a local dog rescuer, who immediately stepped up to foster the pup and coordinate his medical care.
“I was devastated and furious,” Schildt said in an interview with The Dodo. “There was no question in my mind — I had to help him.”
Veterinarians at Canada West Veterinary Specialists discovered the dog had multiple serious injuries: broken ribs, a fractured leg, and a dislocated hip. Though his road to recovery would be long and painful, they assured Laurie he would survive — and thrive — with time. Laurie, deeply moved by his spirit, named him Oscar, a playful nod to Oscar the Grouch.
“Oscar has settled into my home so well,” Schildt shared. “He’s incredibly affectionate and shows so much strength, especially after all he’s been through.”
Oscar’s story quickly spread through the community and social media, sparking an outpouring of support. Donations flooded in to help cover his treatments, and Canada West Veterinary Specialists even offered to cover part of his medical expenses.
And the best part? Oscar no longer has to wonder where he belongs. Schildt has officially adopted him.
“I’ve decided to make Oscar part of my family,” she said. “He’ll never feel fear or pain again. He’s stolen my heart, and I can’t wait for all the happy years ahead with him and my pack.”