Prickly Encounter - Dog Resembles Pin Cushion After Run-In With Porcupine

A dog's unfortunate meeting with a porcupine leaves him covered in quills.

Davy

• Published in Animal Stories
• March 26, 2024

In a tale of unexpected encounters, a canine named Buddy found himself resembling a pin cushion after an unfortunate run-in with a porcupine.

A Labrador named Trooper, abandoned and suffering from a face full of spines after a painful encounter with a porcupine, has found a new home after being rescued from the streets. Brady Oliveira, a football player and animal lover from Winnipeg, Canada, took immediate action upon hearing about Trooper's plight.

Trooper was left with numerous quills embedded in his face, including around his mouth, snout, and eyes, highlighting the urgency of his rescue and the need for immediate medical attention.

Upon receiving a concerned call about the dog, Oliveira, a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team, sprang into action to rescue Trooper from his distressing state. Brady, aged 26, is known for his regular animal rescues, often sharing their journeys on his social media platforms (brady.oliveira)

Describing the heartbreaking scene, Oliveira stated, "The dog had a face full of quills and was in a ton of pain. I drove out to the community and when I saw him, I was in total heartbreak! He was quite scared and timid but I let him take all the time he needed until he started to trust me. His sad eyes were telling me that he was in a ton of pain and discomfort."

The exact time when Trooper acquired the spines on his face remains a mystery, but it was clear that he urgently needed them removed by a professional, as they have the potential to migrate. Brady, who is the owner of three dogs himself, emphasized the importance of gaining Trooper's trust before attempting to handle him.

He explained, "I needed to sit with him for a bit until he could trust me and then could slip a leash on him and load up in my truck."

Brady and his friend quickly transported Trooper to the emergency veterinarian, where the spines were surgically removed. Despite being a bit swollen and scared, the black lab made a swift recovery. Trooper was later put up for adoption through the Winnipeg Humane Society, who described him as an "absolute joy."

It was Oliveira who accompanied his new furry friend Trooper to his first adoption event, and just a couple of weeks later, the dog found a new home. Oliveira's Instagram followers were captivated by the adorable pup. One wrote, "What a sweet boy! Thank you for all you guys do!!" Another said, "I’m so in love with Trooper and would adopt him in a heartbeat if I didn’t already have 3…ugh."

Porcupines' protective quills can detach upon contact or fall off when the rodent shakes its body. It's crucial to have the quills removed by a veterinarian who can provide the unfortunate victim with pain relief.

It all turned out fine. After a few days, he was completely healed.

Davy