With just a click of the mouse, Leelo’s owner Colby O’Flynn knew her little rescue dog was a national winner who’d earned $10,000 for Quesnel SPCA branch.
Their relationship began six years ago when Leelo was part of a scoop of dogs from a remote northern reservation. She along with her fellow canines were flown to Quesnel SPCA.
“I knew immediately Leelo and I had a connection,” O’Flynn says.
“She was skinny and afraid. I had met many dogs at the SPCA, but something about her seemed right. We bonded instantly and before I even signed the paperwork to take her home on a temporary foster basis, I knew she would be coming home to stay.”
O’Flynn says she believes that night was Leelo’s first ever indoors.
Leelo had issues. She was afraid of the flooring, the doorways, and any normal noises like the dishwasher or vacuum were terrifying for the little dog.
“It took several weeks of consistent meals before Leelo realized she didn’t have to ration her food and hide her kibbles for later.”
“This was likely a survival skill she learned while on her own. Once Leelo realized she was safe and warm with a full belly and no reason to be afraid, her personality flourished. She is the most amazing, happy, playful and affectionate companion.”
O’Flynn officially adopted Leelo in the fall of 2012 and every day since had been an adventure.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better dog.”
So when O’Flynn happened upon the Hill’s Science Diet Company (pet food company) open call to anyone, anywhere in Canada who had a story of a dog adopted from a shelter or rescue organization with a prize of $10,000 for the organization the winning dog was adopted from, it was a no brainer for Leelo’s owner.
“They asked for the adoption story and a picture of the dog. It was that simple.”
The story and picture were sent off in September and two weeks into October, O’Flynn learned Leelo was one of four finalists from across Canada.
“I was pretty excited.
“I saw the other finalists and even though I didn’t think we had a chance, we gave it a try. It was a voting system with the dog with the most votes won.”
This contest was winner takes all. There were no second or third place prizes just the giant $10,000-first prize.
O’Flynn saw a link to the winner on the Hills website and couldn’t believe her eyes when Leelo popped up.
Having been associated with the Quesnel SPCA for the past seven years and is currently the manager, Colby is very familiar with the needs of the local shelter and knows how much this money is needed.
The summer of wildfires was hard on the shelter as they weren’t able to do much of their normal fundraising. They also have ongoing vet bills, spay and neuter costs, and, of course, general operating costs, O’Flynn says.
It’s going to help with whatever the shelter needs, she adds.
Regardless of how terrific Leelo’s win was, O’Flynn says she will always be grateful this little dog came into her life.