Get to know our Palliative Pups

Otis came into care late in 2021 with several other hounds from a shelter in Ontario. This ol’ man was deemed palliative due to his age, his heart murmur and the masses over his body (most noticeably on his front paw). Looking for a quiet place to retire, Otis has settled into care nicely and has even come to enjoy logging the odd camping trip his foster family takes him on. Otis can be won over with treats and with the promise of a night in at home but, he has been known to brave the great big metropolis of Ottawa and has graced us with his presents at different Freedom events across the city.   Over the last year, this timid old soul has become brave, confident and has been able to embrace his life as a loveable guy, even having made a few friends in his new neighbourhood!  His loves his crate and watermelon and bananas are his favorite treats. 

Photo Credit: Matthew Krull of Krull Photography - Taken at the Ottawa Dog Fair hosted by Greenhawk Equestrian in support of Freedom’s Palliative Care Program

Miyagi is a feisty 13 year old chihuahua. He came into care 3 years ago (at the senior age of 10) after he was left in a box at the Montreal SPCA. Miyagi suffers from a knee condition which essentially forces him to walk on three legs.  

He loves to cuddle up as close as he can to his people and sleeps underneath the bed sheets at night.  He's also a huge hand-wrestling fan. To his delight, Miyagi is the perfect height for any crumbs in the kitchen.  

What he lacks in size, he makes up in personality though. Don't be fooled by his wagging tail and his oversized cartoon eyes: only his close family members are permitted to pet him.  

Miyagi is very special dog who is deeply loved by his foster family.

Photo Credit: Ashley from Your Story Creative Co. Thank you for donating your time and services to capture our handsome boy, Miyagi. 

Storm came to Freedom when she was four months old after being surrendered to a pound in Quebec. We were contacted because she needed to be rushed to emergency care due to continuous seizures. There were concerns that she might have a broken spine or pelvic issues. We immediately picked her up and took her to VCA Canada Alta Vista Animal Hospital, where she was seen by a neurologist, Dr. Anne Chauvet. Storm was admitted to the hospital since the prognosis was uncertain, and there were concerns about her survival. In addition to her neurological issues, her hindquarters were non-functional, and it was discovered that she had a serious heart condition.

Storm underwent several tests and treatments, including a spinal tap, which confirmed that she had meningitis. Eosinophilic lab work came back negative, and heart test results for ammonia were also negative.

Her diagnoses included suspected meningitis and eosinophilic mixed pleocytosis, with possible causes being protozoal, tick-borne, or parasitic infections, as well as allergic cardiac disease/murmur graded at 5/6. The prognosis was guarded, as the condition could be viral or fungal, although we had managed to gain some control over her seizures at that time.

Fast forward to the present: Storm has been seizure-free for over a year, is happily running around like a puppy, and her sight has returned. had managed to gain some control over her seizures at that time.