Animal justice activist Nives Ilic from Ottawa shared her experience of welcoming Mack, a former research dog, into her home. Mack, who had spent six years in a laboratory, captured Nives’ heart from the first night they spent together. Nives, deeply involved in animal advocacy, had joined a campaign that led to the closure of a dog lab at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, Ontario, where distressing experiments on dogs were conducted.
Being approved as a foster mom with The Beagle Alliance, Nives headed to London to pick up Mack, one of ten dogs released from a research facility. Despite the undisclosed details of Mack’s past testing, Nives signed a contract acknowledging potential PTSD and anxiety issues in former lab dogs. The journey home revealed Mack’s fear of elevators, hinting at the trauma he endured.
Contrary to Nives’ initial fears of aggression, Mack displayed a yearning for love and companionship. Despite his lack of training and exposure to the world, Mack’s gentle nature shone through as he explored life’s simple joys. Nives realized the stark difference between shelter dogs and those rescued from labs, with the latter experiencing everything anew.
Through Mack’s presence, Nives gained a deeper understanding of animal suffering than any report could provide. Mack’s resilience and vulnerability highlighted the importance of second chances for animals subjected to testing. Adopting Mack has not only transformed his life but has also reinforced Nives’ commitment to animal rights and the belief that every rescued animal makes a significant impact.
Today, Mack enjoys a fulfilling life with Nives, embodying the hope for a future where no animal endures suffering in the name of science. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the individuality and worth of every animal, inspiring Nives to continue her advocacy work with renewed passion and purpose.