Eddie, abused Thunder Bay dog that died, honoured by fund

The death of a dog in Thunder Bay has spurred the creation of a new fund for abused animals.

The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society has set up a memorial fund for Eddie — an injured dog retrieved from a city apartment last month.

Humane Society Executive Director Melanie Blanchette said the Eddie Memorial Fund will help pay for care for other abused creatures.

“We've had staff who've personally come forward and paid their vet bills. They've put vet bills on their own personal accounts ... so this fund will really help the agency be able to provide that kind of care,” Blanchette said.

"Over the first couple of days, the outpour was just unreal."

The fund stands at about $1,600 — money donated by people to pay for Eddie's vet bills before he died in surgery.

After Eddie was discovered, Thunder Bay police laid animal cruelty charges against a man and a woman. The case is still proceeding in court.

“That money will be applied to any animals that have suffered … at the hands of an abuser and sustained injuries,” Blanchette added.

The alleged animal cruelty case also resulted in a cat, named Hope, coming to the shelter. The cat didn't appear to be hurt but seems to have an old back injury, Blanchette said, adding the cat also appeared to be traumatized.

Once the cat is officially surrendered into the society's care, she will be put into foster care.

Blanchette said police are going to donate a plaque in honour of Eddie to be displayed at the society.