Fundraiser for YK puppy hit by truck a week after adoption

Campaigners are trying to raise $10,000 to fund surgery for a rescue puppy hit by a truck just a week after being adopted in Yellowknife.

Muskwa, who is nine months old, was the victim of a hit-and-run in late October. His injuries were so severe that he was flown to Edmonton for vital surgery on his spine.

The cost of his surgery and subsequent recovery is estimated at up to $15,000, a GoFundMe post set up in Muskwa’s name declares.

As of late Monday, the fund had raised a little over $3,000 of its $10,000 goal.

“Muskwa, which means ‘bear’ in Cree, is a beautiful, happy boy whose fluffiness would bring joy to anyone who sees him,” the fundraising page states. Muskwa had been born in Fort McPherson before arriving at the NWTSPCA shelter in Yellowknife.

On Instagram: Follow Muskwa’s recovery

Yellowknife resident Rachel Cluderay first fostered then eventually adopted Muskwa. “Their mutual love for the outdoors made this a natural fit,” the GoFundMe page reads.

Cluderay, however, was in a remote community for work when Muskwa was hit. In her absence, Canadian North and the NWTSPCA got the dog onto a flight south to Edmonton’s Guardian veterinary centre.

“Muskwa was struck by a truck last Monday while I was out of town. He now isn’t able to walk or move his back legs,” Cluderay wrote in a public Facebook post on Sunday evening.

“He had to go down to Edmonton for neurosurgery that cost $10,000,” Cluderay continued. “On top of that, he has his medical bills at Great Slave Animal Hospital, flights to and from Edmonton, and rehabilitation to get him walking again which will take weeks, possibly months.

“The biggest support I need right now is with Muskwa’s vet bills. I am grateful for any amount that you’re able to contribute and appreciate all the love and support.”

The GoFundMe page concluded with the following appeal: “Every dollar counts towards this beautiful puppy’s recovery so he can once again walk and eventually run through the northern terrain that he was born in.”