Animal justice activist Nives Ilic, residing in Ottawa, shared a touching experience of adopting a former research dog named Mack. After being involved in animal advocacy for years, Ilic’s encounter with Mack, who spent six years in a laboratory, brought a new level of understanding and compassion.
The journey began when Ilic joined a campaign with Animal Justice following the exposure of cruel experiments on dogs at a hospital in London, Ontario. The public outcry led to the closure of the dog lab, sparking a mix of sorrow and hope within Ilic. Motivated by the suffering she learned about, Ilic became a foster mom with The Beagle Alliance, aiming to rehabilitate dogs from laboratories.
In October, Ilic traveled to London to pick up Mack, one of the rescued dogs. Despite not knowing Mack’s background due to non-disclosure agreements, Ilic was prepared for the potential challenges, given the typical experiences of laboratory animals. However, Mack’s response was unexpected. Despite his past trauma, Mack sought love and affection, displaying a gentle and curious nature towards other animals and humans.
The adjustment period revealed Mack’s lack of basic skills like potty training and walking on a leash, highlighting the stark difference between shelter dogs and those used in experiments. Every small moment of progress with Mack felt like a significant achievement for Ilic, who realized the profound impact of loving a former research dog.
Today, Mack thrives in his new life, embracing comfort, companionship, and joy. Ilic’s experience with Mack serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and vulnerability of animals used in research. Through Mack’s story, Ilic finds renewed purpose in advocating for animal rights, striving to ensure that no animal endures the suffering Mack had faced in the name of science.