A dog that was hit by a car in Abbotsford was recently turned over to the SPCA after the owner couldn't afford to pay for the needed veterinary care, including surgery.

Now, the dog, Marley, is awaiting surgery, thanks to a pet insurance company matching medical donations of up to $3,500 to cover the costs.

Ashley Fontaine-Ost, BC SPCA senior manager for the Interior and Fraser Valley, said Marley was first taken to a local animal hospital "crying out in pain" after his hind left leg was seriously injured when he was hit by a car.

He was surrendered to the hospital when they owner realized they could not afford treatment.

The SPCA was then contacted to see if they could take on Marley's care.

鈥淗e was picked up and brought to a hospital that we work closely with, where he was given pain medication and X-rays to determine the extent of his injury," Fontaine-Ost said.

"Unfortunately, Marley was diagnosed with a dislocated hip. This kind of injury is very painful and requires an expensive surgery to repair.鈥�

Fontaine-Ost said Marley was brought to the BC SPCA鈥檚 Vancouver animal hospital for further examination to determine the best treatment option.

Surgeons determined that Marley would require a femoral head ostectomy, a surgical procedure where the femoral head (the ball part of the hip joint in dogs) is removed because it no longer fits properly in the hip bone, causing pain and inflammation.

The removal of the femoral head leaves an empty socket and, over time, scar tissue forms to provide cushioning called a "false joint." This prevents bone-on-bone contact and provides pain-free mobility to a diseased or damaged hip, Fontaine-Ost said.

She said Marley is currently staying with a foster volunteer while he awaits surgery, and he will be available for adoption in four to six weeks.

Fontaine-Ost describes Marley as "an extremely sweet and calm dog who is so trusting."

"I would like to think it is because he knows we are helping him," she said.

Fontaine-Ost said Marley is affectionate with everyone he meets and is enjoying spending time with his foster brother, an English labrador named Roxy.

鈥淲e know this was an incredibly difficult decision but the guardian definitely did the right thing by surrendering Marley so he could receive the care he needs," she said.

When Petsecure Pet Health Insurance learned about Marley's story, the company offered to match all medical donations up to $3,500 to help with his care and other animals who need urgent medical help. 

The grant was made by the Definity Insurance Foundation at the recommendation of the Definity Insurance Company Petline Insurance Company.

Visit to make a donation.