Animal justice activist Nives Ilic recounts the poignant experience of welcoming a former research dog named Mack into her home in Ottawa. Mack, who spent his early years in a laboratory, captured Ilic’s heart from the moment they met. Ilic’s involvement in animal advocacy led her to a campaign exposing cruel experiments on dogs at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, Ontario, which ultimately resulted in the closure of the dog lab.
Inspired by the resilience of animals and the community’s efforts to protect them, Ilic became a foster mom with The Beagle Alliance, a rescue organization dedicated to rehabilitating dogs from laboratories. In October, she traveled to London to bring Mack home, one of 10 research dogs released for adoption. Despite the unknown details of Mack’s past testing, Ilic signed a contract acknowledging potential PTSD and anxiety in former research dogs.
The journey with Mack began with challenges as he exhibited fear and anxiety, unfamiliar with basic activities like walking on a leash or climbing stairs. However, Mack’s gentle and loving nature shone through, seeking comfort and affection. Each small moment of progress, like basking in sunlight or experiencing joy, felt like a significant achievement for both Ilic and Mack.
Through her experience with Mack, Ilic gained a deeper understanding of animal suffering beyond statistics, emphasizing the unique and resilient nature of each rescued animal. Adopting Mack has brought Ilic a sense of purpose and reinforced her commitment to animal rights advocacy. Today, Mack thrives in his new life, enjoying companionship, play, and the love he always deserved, reminding Ilic of the hope for a future where no animal suffers in the name of science.