A six-week-old puppy named Little Debbie is recovering at an animal rescue in Chatham, Ont., after testing found cocaine and amphetamines in her system.
The puppy was brought to Pet and Wildlife Rescue after a stranger found her suffering from repeated seizures.
Rescue officials said the seizures were occurring only seconds apart and required Little Debbie to be sedated for several days.
Table of Contents
What happened to the puppy
Tests later confirmed that Little Debbie had been exposed to cocaine and amphetamines.
Myriam Armstrong, executive director of Pet and Wildlife Rescue, said the organization had never before seen such a young puppy arrive with this type of substance-related poisoning.
The rescue has not publicly identified how the drugs entered the puppy’s system.
Officials also said there is no information indicating that Little Debbie was living on the streets with a person dealing with addiction.
Little Debbie’s recovery
Little Debbie stopped seizing once the drugs had cleared from her system.
However, the number of seizures left her blind, and the rescue has said it remains uncertain whether her sight will return.
Her chances of recovering her vision have been described as roughly even.
Despite the setback, the puppy has regained her other functions and is expected to make a broader recovery.
Rescue staff have been caring for her closely while she regains her strength and adjusts to the possibility of limited vision.
Investigation remains underway
Multiple organizations are examining the circumstances surrounding the puppy’s condition.
Pet and Wildlife Rescue has not released details about the investigation, and no charges had been announced in the information available by October 3, 2026.
The case highlights the dangers that household or street drugs can pose to animals, particularly young puppies that may ingest substances from floors, surfaces, discarded materials or contaminated food.
Veterinary emergencies involving suspected drug exposure require immediate professional care, since symptoms can worsen quickly and may include tremors, seizures, abnormal breathing, collapse or loss of coordination.
Future home planned through foster-to-adopt
Pet and Wildlife Rescue plans to place Little Debbie through a foster-to-adopt arrangement once she is ready.
The approach is intended to give her a stable home while her medical condition and vision continue to be monitored.
Armstrong said the goal is to avoid moving the puppy repeatedly between homes after the trauma she has experienced.
Anyone with information about what happened to Little Debbie can contact Pet and Wildlife Rescue at 226-996-9969 or through the organization’s website.
The rescue operates animal-care and animal-control services in Chatham-Kent, including facilities in Chatham and Wallaceburg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the puppy in Chatham?
A six-week-old puppy named Little Debbie was found suffering from repeated seizures and later tested positive for cocaine and amphetamines.
Is Little Debbie expected to recover?
The rescue expects her to make a broader recovery, although her vision may not return after the seizures.
How old is Little Debbie?
She was approximately six weeks old when she was brought to Pet and Wildlife Rescue.
Has anyone been charged?
An investigation was underway, but no charges had been announced in the information available by October 3, 2026.
How can people contact Pet and Wildlife Rescue?
People with information can contact the rescue at 226-996-9969 or through its official website.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against Pet and Wildlife Rescue’s official information and current reporting on Little Debbie’s treatment and investigation.
Disclaimer: The puppy’s medical outlook, including the possibility of recovering her sight, may change as veterinary monitoring continues.