3 neonatal puppies survive thanks to Toronto Humane Society campaign

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Gabby, Tonka, Raykin — three neonatal Yorkshire Terrier puppies — are lucky to be alive after their smallest sibling Kai didn’t make it.

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At just two weeks old, the puppies, whose mother passed away shortly after giving birth, were surrendered in a small box to the Toronto Humane Society by their family who couldn’t provide the intensive round-the-clock care required.

The puppies were weak, malnourished, and soiled and despite every effort, Kai didn’t make it,  Gabby clung to life, while Tonka and Raykin struggled to stabilize.

“This was a race against time,” said Dr. Karen Ward, chief veterinary officer at Toronto Humane Society in a statement.

“Neonatal puppies require constant care — every hour matters. Without the community’s support, stories like Gabby, Tonka, and Raykin’s would end in heartbreak. But together, we can keep pets like them in the picture.”

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Neonatal means the early stages of life, typically from birth to around two weeks old.

Thanks to the generosity of donors — and the Toronto Humane Society’s Keep Pets in the Picture campaign — the surviving puppies ended up in a loving foster home where they were bottle-fed every two hours, kept warm, and nurtured.

After weeks of dedicated care, the trio of puppies grew stronger.

Gabby, the smallest of the surviving litter, is now a calm, resilient puppy while Raykin overcame digestive challenges and has become playful and Tonka, the largest of the three, is a bundle of joyful energy.

As the trio of adorable puppies prepare to spend their first holiday season with their families, the Toronto Humane Society is calling on the community to help keep more pets in the picture.

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Until Dec. 31, donations to Toronto Humane Society are being matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000, thanks to a generous matching gift from a family member of Michael G. Creber.

“This holiday season let’s come together to ensure no pet is pushed out of the picture,” said Dr. Ward in a statement.

“Gabby, Tonka, and Raykin’s story is one of hope — a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when our community rallies to support animals in need.”

Donations can be made at keeppetsinthepicture.com.

Due to the impacts of the postal strike, the organization is requesting that donations be made online, or over the phone at (416) 392-2273 (option #5 on the main menu to reach fundraising).

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