He looks like a cross between a bear and a husky — but at just five-months-old, Polar has already undergone two major surgeries.
Under the care and watchful eye of staff and volunteers at RAPS’ animal shelter on No. 5 Road, the Samoyed pup is slowly on the road to recovery.
Just last week, a severely injured Polar was surrendered to the charity after his previous owners apparently dropped furniture on him by accident.
The little ball of white fluff, described as a “wonderful boy” needed expensive, emergency operations to fix his damaged hip and leg, totalling out at around $3,000.
Thankfully, RAPS has the goodwill of the local veterinary community to fall back on and the surgeries were carried out straight away.
However, the charity will still need to find money to pay Polar’s vet bill and subsequent medical care.
So RAPS’ president Fearn Edmonds kicked off an online gofundme page in a bid to recoup as much of Polar’s expenses as possible.
“It’s not just the surgery that’s expensive, it’s the after-care for the animal, as well,” said RAPS’ new CEO and executive director, Eyal Lichtmann.
“The animals can’t wait until the money is raised, however, and we’re very grateful for the support from the Richmond veterinary community.
“Polar is a typical example of the kind of animals that come into our care at RAPS; the vet bills are our biggest expense every year.”
Edmonds, on her gofundme page, said that Polar “has been through more pain than most dogs throughout their whole lives.
“Polar does not act like a puppy. His eyes are full of pain and broken promises. His beautiful soul has been darkened and now he has been left in a strange place with a bunch of people he has never met before.
“The hard part for Polar will be the physical rehabilitation that is required afterwards. He…deserves the best care and all the love from the staff at RAPS. And that is exactly what he will get.
“Our hope is to give Polar back his puppyhood and a loving forever home once he’s back on his four legs again. With your help, Polar will play once again.”
If you’d like to help RAPS with Polar’s rehabilitation, go online to gofundme.com/2ng8gs6c or go to RAPS’ facebook page.
