Abandoned Golden found in Off-Leash Dog Park

September 13th was a morning like any other, besides an extra crisp fall scent in the air. My mom and I loaded up our dogs and headed to Colonial Danforth for an early morning (6am) walk before we started our work day.

We were driving past the Off-Leash Dog Park when I looked over and saw what appeared to be a skinny, naked (collarless) Golden Retriever; anxiously following each car that passed with her eyes. 



My gut sank immediately. Something in me just knew; she was alone and had been for a while. 



We pulled up to the only parked car in the lot, rolled down our window, and asked the gentleman if the dog was his. He replied, over the sound of his dog barking in the backseat, “No, she’s been here since I arrived…”.

I didn’t need to hear another word before I blew past the poor man, disregarding the rest of his sentence. I just wanted to see her. Comfort her. Feel for her. And so I did. 



When I entered the dog park gates, she hit me with all 18kg of her skin and bones. Finding her spot on my lap, she whined her heart out while tears poured down my eyes. I told her I was sorry. I ran my hands over her ribcage, felt her mommy nipples, and told her I was sorry again.

Sorry that someone could have discarded her like a used rag. That someone used her body, took advantage of her love - to line their own pocket. That her puppies were allowed to lead happy and healthy lives, but that she was not. 



And then I made her a promise. A promise that she would never have to know the same kind of hurt ever again. That she would never skip another meal. That she would never have to get into another car, and fear that she would, once again, be left behind.

But I need help to make this all come true. 



I lost my job of 8 years at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and have only recently started a new dog walking business (@the.woof.walker). Unfortunately, I don’t have the finances to rehabilitate Autumn on my own now.

Autumn needs a thorough check-up with complete blood work and routine vaccinations. She will also need to undergo a mature spay as soon as possible to avoid the risk of unwanted pregnancy.

In addition to raising money to care for Autumn and all of her needs properly, I also want to raise awareness. To ask, or rather, to beg people to do their research when they are thinking of adding a dog to their family. To ask to see the parents of the cute little puppies. To check references. To think of Autumn and the millions of other momma dogs like her who are abandoned once they are done fulfilling their sole purpose. All while they spend their lives yearning to gain the love and respect of their abuser.


Please help me show this sweet girl the best forever she could have ever imagined <3