Puppy leads rescuers to critically ill sibling in Brantford

A black puppy, known as Maple, is held in this undated image. (Courtesy: Brant County SPCA)

The Brant County SPCA is looking for help to save the life of a critically ill puppy.

In a social media post, the animal welfare organization said two people spotted a lone dog walking in the middle of Mohawk Street near Mohawk Chapel in Brantford. When the rescuers stopped to help, the dog led them into the bushes where they found two more dogs.

“One of them, a black puppy we’ve named Maple, was in critical shape,” the Brant County SPCA wrote in a social media post on Wednesday.

“The pup stayed by her side, licking her wounds and refusing to leave her. He did his part. Now it’s our turn.”

The SPCA said Maple has a severe botfly wound, can barely stand and is experiencing seizures. They said blood tests have ruled out serious illnesses like canine parvovirus and distemper, but her fever is still dangerously high.

“We don’t know what tomorrow holds for Maple, but we do know this: we won’t give up on her and we know our community won’t either,” they said.

The SPCA has set up a fundraiser for Maple through Project Patchwork, their animal care program that helps raise money for specialized veterinary care.