Leo and Jasper: How Monthly Donors Helped Senior Dogs Smile Again

It’s a story you may have heard before, and one we see time and time again: dogs arrive at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) through no fault of their own, in need of some serious dental care. That was the story of two senior pups, Leo and Jasper.

Surrendered because of severe allergies in the family, Leo, an almost 8-year-old mixed breed, and Jasper, a nearly 9-year-old small mixed breed, arrived at our location looking well-groomed and happy. Both boys had received routine preventative care in their previous home. But like many animals entering our shelter, they needed more medical attention than anyone expected, and their needs were urgent.

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Upon intake, it became clear that neither Leo nor Jasper had been neutered. More pressing, however, was their dental health—an issue commonly underestimated in pets. Leo had significant tartar buildup and discomfort, while Jasper’s dental disease was even more advanced and painful.

Did you know poor dental health can severely impact our furry friend's health and well-being? Diseased teeth and gums can cause severe pain for dogs and cats, making eating hard. Dental disease can also lead to other health issues affecting the kidneys, liver, and heart.

25% of the animals who come to our shelter need dental care. Dental care takes up a significant portion of our veterinarian’s time, from basic teeth cleaning to surgical removal of diseased teeth, and it costs the shelter many thousands of dollars per year.

Thanks to Our Monthly Donors

The tooth fairy doesn't exist for pets, but the HBSPCA's Furever Friends monthly donors are the next best thing!

Thanks to our on-site Companion Animal Hospital, we were able to act quickly. Because of our Furever Friends monthly donors and other generous supporters, our hospital is equipped with top-of-the-line tools, including a dental suite and digital dental radiology equipment—essential tools that allow us to assess and treat dental disease thoroughly and humanely.

Leo had to have dental surgery—and eight teeth were extracted! After his surgery, this sweet and gentle boy was placed on a soft food diet and a pain management plan. Under the watchful care of our Animal Care staff, Leo began a week-long recovery—finally free from the chronic pain he had likely endured for some time.

Jasper’s case was more serious. His advanced dental disease meant that 25 teeth were extracted to relieve pain and prevent future complications. His recovery was even longer and involved a more advanced pain management plan, but like Leo, he too was in safe hands with our experienced Animal Care staff. Before their recovery from anesthesia, the remaining teeth in both dogs were scaled and polished, leaving them healthier, happier, and on the road to a brighter future.

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Hidden Hurdles

At the HBSPCA, we’ve learned to always expect the unexpected when it comes to animal care. Even animals surrendered with the belief that they're “ready for rehoming” can require far more extensive diagnostics, treatment, and ongoing care than originally anticipated.

Leo and Jasper’s story is one we see often: senior animals needing compassionate, often complex care before they’re truly ready to go home.

Here’s the reality—adoption fees don’t cover the cost of care. In the case of Leo and Jasper, their surgeries, medications, monitoring, and aftercare far exceeded the adoption fee. That’s why donor support is not just appreciated—it’s vital.

Because of our Furever Friends monthly donors and other generous supporters, the HBSPCA can keep our doors open, our hospital stocked with state-of-the-art equipment, and our skilled medical team ready to meet any animal's needs, no matter how unexpected.

To our Furever Friends: thank you. Your generosity meant that Leo and Jasper didn’t have to suffer another day in silence. It meant they got the care they needed—compassionate, thorough, and lifesaving. We are so proud of the work we do here at the HBSPCA—but we can’t do it alone. Your continued support ensures we can keep helping dogs like Leo and Jasper heal, recover, and find loving homes where they can thrive in their golden years. Because of you, they can smile again.

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A Heart-Warming Update

Both Jasper and Leo have now been adopted into loving homes.

We have a lovely update from Jasper’s new mum, who says that he is fitting in great with his new family.

"Just to let you know Hutch (my dog) and Jasper (my new dog) are doing amazing. No problems with Jasper. However, at first Hutch acted like he was scared of Jasper. Hutch started to hide in our ensuite rather than be in the TV room with Jasper and us. But they walked great together and slept next to each other on their individual beds. Last night was a breakthrough! Hutch stayed downstairs all evening and this morning at about six Hutch jumped on our bed and laid down. A short time later Jasper got on the bed and curled down close to Hutch and Hutch never moved. Jasper has fit in like he's always lived with us!”

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Isn’t that wonderful?

We love hearing updates from our adoptive families and learning that their new furry friends are fitting in and having the time of their lives. This is the impact of a monthly gift. That sustained support allows the HBSPCA the flexibility to take care of the many complex needs of the pets entering out care. Our Furever Friends make sure animals like Leo and Jasper get the medical care they need so they can live long and happy lives with loving families. Thank you!