BMO Bank of Montreal Employee Charitable Foundation is pleased to support the Whistler Animals Galore Society (WAG) with a grant for $7,212.00 made possible through the generous support of our employees, pensioned employees, customers and friends of the BMO Financial Group.   Local involvement ensures 100% of the money raised in the community flows back into the community.  Thank you WAG for your dedication, passion and support in ensuring your animals receive the best possible care available.  

This grant to WAG is dedicated to the medical expenses incurred by WAG for "Beautiful" and "Hayden"

Beautiful's Story

On Dec 9, 2007 a very pregnant 1.5 year old Husky was hit by a car in Mount Currie. The incident broke her pelvis. Beautiful’s family could not afford to pay for her vet care and surrendered her to WAG. Veterinarian Dr. David Lane performed emergency surgery on Beautiful, inserting a plate into her pelvis. Beautiful was transferred to the WAG shelter to recover. Traumatized, pregnant, and weak from surgery, Beautiful was unable to stand. WAG staff tended to her drain, rolled her from side to side, and kept her and her bedding clean.

Two days after surgery, Beautiful struggled through a birthing process that lasted over 24 hours. On December 11, 2007, 9 live puppies were born at the WAG shelter. Unfortunately, three of Beautiful’s puppies were stillborn. WAG was forced to cease administering pain medication to Beautiful following the birth of her puppies for fear of harming the nursing pups. Despite her pain, weakness and incredible amount of stress, Beautiful cared diligently and gently for her babies. WAG provided high quality nutrition for her and continued to care for her. She continued to be unable to stand. Local Physiotherapist Cathy began caring for Beautiful, working with WAG staff to encourage her to stand and performing range of motion exercises and massage. Beautiful was depressed and we worried that she would never walk again, but Dr. Lane was optimistic.

One week after the birth of her puppies, Beautiful stood on her own, and with the help of WAG staff, walked outside to go to the bathroom. It was not long before she was trying to run! She has a gentle spirit and a very strong will.

Beautiful now lives with a wonderful family. She is active, healthy and happy.

Beautiful, at WAG after surgery, very pregnant

Exhausted mom nursing her 9 pups.

Beautiful with her son Billy, aka "mini me", Jan 27, 2008

"I love my new mommy"

"I'm listening" March 20, 2008

Hayden's Story

On Saturday October 6^th, 2007, Hayden, a 3 year old lab/collie X was in the middle of Highway 99 in Mount Currie. Witnesses at a roadside restaurant watched as the driver of a silver truck came around the corner, and without slowing down, seemed to deliberately hit the skinny dog. Hayden was run over with the front and back wheels. Eye witnesses said that though the driver was speeding, they could have avoided hitting the dog.

Hayden had broken her pelvis in three places and dislocated her hip. Witnesses of the incident spoke to the driver of the truck and report that the driver wanted to call police and have them come and shoot the dog. Fortunately, those present at the scene called WAG and asked for help. Hayden was transported to the veterinary clinic in Squamish where Dr. Lane performed a diagnosis and emergency care. Dr. Lane transported Hayden to his hospital in Whistler where he performed surgery on Hayden, inserting pins and plates into her pelvis.

Recovery for Hayden was slow and difficult as she had injuries on both sides of her pelvis. She required a second surgery shortly after her first, as her hip had dislocated once again. A history of poor nutrition meant that this girl, though young, had low bone density. The result of this was that Hayden required further surgery to secure bolts that had loosened. She also experienced problems with her urinary catheter. Hayden received physiotherapy from local therapist Cathy and soon went to live in a foster home. Her gentle nature soon won over the hearts of her foster family and they decided they wanted to keep her. However, further problems with loose bolts led Dr. Lane to the decision that Hayden’s plate should be removed once her fractures had healed. Hayden had her final surgery in January of 2008 and is now officially adopted!