A Holiday Gift of Healing: Charcoal and Harley’s Second Chances

At the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, the holiday season is a powerful reminder of what compassion can achieve. This past Christmas, one extraordinary donor made a deeply intentional gift of nearly $10,000 to cover the cost of surgery and medical care for two animals in need—Charcoal the cat and Harley the dog. Because of Stephen’s generosity, both animals received the complex treatment they required and the chance to begin new chapters filled with comfort, dignity, and hope.

Harley’s Journey to Healing and Home

Harley is a six-year-old dog whose life took an unexpected turn last fall. Originally adopted from a rescue in China, he was surrendered to the HBSPCA on October 27 so he could find a home better suited to his needs.

Harley arrived at our shelter already neutered, and at first, his transition seemed straightforward. But during his intake exam, one of our licensed veterinarians discovered significant dental disease requiring urgent attention. Dental pain is often invisible, yet it can profoundly affect an animal’s comfort, behaviour, and overall health. Harley needed advanced care.

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He was placed in foster care while awaiting surgery, where he received patience and comfort as his treatment plan was developed. On November 13, Harley was admitted to our on-site Companion Animal Hospital for his first dental procedure. As part of our advanced protocol, full-mouth dental radiographs were taken—because what lies beneath the gums can’t always be seen. The images revealed extensive disease, requiring a careful, multi-stage approach.

Supported with IV fluids and closely monitored, Harley underwent his first procedure, during which 14 teeth were extracted. He returned to foster care to recover and regain strength before the next stage of surgery.

On December 7, Harley returned for his second procedure. This time, 20 more teeth were carefully removed and sutured, leaving him with just eight remaining teeth. Thanks to the skill and dedication of our veterinary team—including Dr. Dam and our Registered Veterinary Technicians—Harley’s recovery was managed with exceptional expertise and compassion.

Today, Harley is fully healed and thriving. And the happiest ending of all? His foster family, who supported him through surgery and recovery, couldn’t imagine letting him go. Harley is now home for good, surrounded by love and the companionship he always deserved.

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The cost of Harley’s care exceeded $8,000—a reflection of the advanced veterinary medicine available through our Companion Animal Hospital, complete with a dedicated dental suite, dental radiology, and a medical team that will not give up on an animal’s chance at health.

Charcoal’s Path from the Streets to Safety

Charcoal’s story begins on the streets. Just two years old, this young cat was found alone, injured, and in pain. When he arrived at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA Companion Animal Hospital, the skin on his tail had been badly damaged—likely from an attack by another animal—leaving sensitive tissue exposed and causing him ongoing discomfort.

From the moment Charcoal came into our care, he was met with compassion and urgency. Our veterinary team provided immediate medical attention, including pain management, daily wound care, and close monitoring. He was neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, and given the time and attention he needed to begin healing.

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Despite careful treatment, further assessment revealed that the damage to Charcoal’s tail was severe. Preserving it would have meant ongoing pain and a prolonged recovery with an uncertain outcome. With Charcoal’s long-term comfort and quality of life as the priority, the decision was made to surgically amputate his tail.

Because Stephen wanted to make a difference for animals like Charcoal and Harley by covering the costs, this surgery was able to move forward without delay. The procedure was successful, and Charcoal adjusted remarkably quickly. Free from the constant pain he had been living with, he is healing well and growing stronger each day.

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A Gift That Makes Healing Possible

This holiday season, one donor chose to give with intention—directing nearly $10,000 to ensure that Charcoal and Harley received the complex, life-changing medical care they needed. Stephen’s generosity covered advanced surgeries, recovery support, and the dedicated attention of skilled veterinary professionals.

As a private, nonprofit organization, the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA does not receive government funding for the medical care we provide. Animals with complex surgical needs can only receive treatment because of the generosity of our community. Every surgery, every recovery, and every second chance is made possible by people who believe these animals are worth it.

This season, lives were not only changed—they were saved.