He Went to Toss His Gum and Then Noticed the Eyes Watching Him
During a recent walk through Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver, animal enthusiasts Terry Sparrow and Krista Brisk stumbled upon a heartbreaking scene. While disposing of his gum, Sparrow noticed movement inside a trash can. Initially thinking it was a raccoon or squirrel, he leaned in for a closer look — and was shocked to discover a small, fluffy brown dog buried beneath layers of garbage.
“It was devastating,” Sparrow told North Shore News. “I’m still in shock. Who would throw a beautiful dog like that in the trash can of all places?”
Without hesitation, Brisk and Sparrow carefully freed the dog and immediately sought help. The following day, they got in touch with local dog rescuer Laurie Schildt, who quickly offered to foster the animal and oversee his recovery.
“When I heard what had happened, I was overwhelmed with sadness and fury,” Schildt told The Dodo. “I knew I had to do everything in my power to help him.”
Laurie Schildt
A team at Canada West Veterinary Specialists examined the pup and discovered he had endured serious injuries: a broken leg, fractured ribs, and a dislocated hip. While his prognosis was positive, the road to recovery would be long and filled with surgeries. Unfazed, Schildt vowed to support him every step of the way. She named him Oscar — a playful nod to Oscar the Grouch, given the pup’s grim discovery in a trash can.
“He’s doing remarkably well,” Schildt shared in an update. “Oscar is tough. He even managed to take a few steps recently. He’s truly inspiring.”
Since joining Schildt’s home, Oscar has adjusted beautifully. His affectionate nature and remarkable strength have impressed everyone around him, especially considering the trauma he survived.
“Oscar is full of love,” Schildt said. “Every day, he amazes me with his resilience. What he went through would break many, but he’s still so trusting and sweet.”
Oscar’s story has deeply moved the community, sparking an outpouring of support online. Generous donations have helped cover his medical expenses, and Canada West Veterinary Specialists even volunteered to absorb part of the costs.
Laurie Schildt
Today, Oscar’s days of fear and pain are firmly behind him. And he’s not just healing—he’s thriving. In a heartwarming twist, Schildt announced she’s officially adopting the brave pup.
“Oscar has found his forever home — with me,” she said. “He’ll be loved and cherished for the rest of his life. I’m completely smitten. He’s stolen my heart, and I can’t wait to share a future with him and the rest of my pack.”
