Date: December 10, 2025
Vancouver, B.C. - In a story that tugs at the heartstrings of all, eight-year-old Mandi is seeking public support to reunite with her cherished dog and companion, Maple.
The bond shared between Mandi, who is autistic, and her special dog is a testament to the deep connections children form with their pets.
For Mandi, Maple is more than just a dog; she is her best friend, protector, and source of comfort.
Two months ago, a harrowing incident occurred when Maple was taken by a BC SPCA constable from Mandi's arms leaving the young girl devastated. On that day, Mandi pleaded that Maple not go but despite their unbreakable bond the circumstances forced Mandi to let her dog go. Katherine Lochhead, Mandi’s mother described how they had to deal with the BC SPCA taking their healthy daughter’s dog, “Sure that we would work things out later, and under great pressure from police, Mandi's papa convinced her to let her dog go. We assured her that Maple would come back to her. Unsure why they were even removing dogs at all, we consoled Mandi by telling her that no human would ever keep a bonded pet from returning to its child. Maple was happy, healthy, strong, and loved.”
Since that heartbreaking day, Mandi has been left with grief. Katherine describes Mandi’s torment after Maple was removed, “For two months, every single morning Mandi would wake up and cry, she had dreamt of her dog and dreamt that she had been returned.” However, after a prolonged 28-day dispute regarding Maple's custody, the BC SPCA authorities announced they would not be returning the dog, leaving Mandi crushed and unable to comprehend this decision.
Katherine hopes for her daughter’s sake that at the very least, “Mandi couldn't quite believe it, she still can't accept it fully. She believes that the person who has Maple would want her to see her dog again. She can't understand why any human would think any different. She's an 8 year old girl who only wants to see her dog again, even just once, to make sure that Maple knows that she still loves her, she never stopped loving her, so that Maple doesn't think she just gave her away.”
Mandi’s family is urging the community to help raise awareness of her story in hopes of reaching the individuals currently keeping Maple. They believe that a compassionate act could change everything for this young girl who just wants to reunite with her best friend.
A spokesperson for the Society said, “We have a pre-written email on our web site https://SPGA.ca/BC/mandi-maple.html requesting that Premier Eby assist with a resolution for the family and Mandi in regard to Maple. This little innocent child deserves some kind of closure to the nightmare she lives with.”
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The Society For British Columbia Public Guardians and Animals (BC SPGA) is making significant strides in ensuring that the voices of both animals and their guardians are heard and respected across British Columbia. The BC SPGA is a non-profit, incorporated society run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no government financial assistance.
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