When Ladybug arrived at the Ottawa Humane Society, she had endured unimaginable hardship. The five-year-old boxer was found as a stray — pregnant, dehydrated, underweight and unable to walk because of a massive tumor on her paw. Despite her pain, she held her head high, summoning the last of her courage.

With expert medical care and the support of our community, Ladybug was stabilized just in time to give birth. Though only one puppy survived, Baby Bug, both mother and daughter received the love and attention they needed. Our veterinary team removed most of Ladybug’s tumor, but it had become entangled with the ligaments and tendons in Ladybug’s leg. Removing her leg was the best option to secure her a healthy future. Today, she is recovering in a foster home, her eyes bright with hope. You can be a hero for animals like Ladybug by supporting me in the 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.