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The mystery of a small mixed-breed dog found dragging a leash in Saanich last week has been partly solved.
Don Brown, the Capital Regional District’s chief bylaw officer, said there’s a list of people willing to adopt the dog, named Maria by staff. Maria was found Thursday on McKenzie Avenue near Braefoot Road, wearing a collar and a leash but no licence.
A dog that is found with a leash has typically run off during a walk, but as the days passed and the dog wasn’t claimed, Brown became concerned about both the dog and the owner.
The mystery remained unsolved until Monday, when Brown was put in contact with someone who had been caring for the dog while the owner is in China, unable to return because of the pandemic.
Deb Barry, who has worked at the CRD Animal Shelter since 2013, took the dog home rather than leave her alone at the shelter over the holidays.
Barry said the female dog, which is at least 15 years old, resembles a toy poodle and probably weighs about eight pounds. She is well trained and does not have fleas or any other indications of living on the street.
Barry named the little dog “Maria” after an elderly aunt with a similar hairstyle and happy disposition. She plans to keep the dog until the end of the week until its future care is sorted out. There is a rescue organization working on arrangements for a possible foster care home.
That will be difficult, Barry said, saying her family has already bonded with the dog, which loves to cuddle.
“Oh my goodness, I just can’t, don’t get me going,” she said. “I’ve already been ­tearing up for the last few days but I have to do what’s best for ­everybody.”
Brown said the dog’s teeth appear to need fixing and its eyes have cataracts. He has suggested the dog’s caregiver speak to the owner about voluntarily surrendering the animal.
Barry took the dog to the vet on Monday to check up on its health. “She’s a spry little thing, eats really well, and sleeps really well, and does her business really well,” she said, of the dog, who looks slightly unkempt. “She’s just old, that’s all.”
ceharnett@timescolonist.com