Animal justice advocate Nives Ilic from Ottawa shares a touching account of her experience adopting a former research dog named Mack. Mack, who spent his early life in a laboratory, captured Ilic’s heart from the first night they spent together. Ilic’s involvement in animal advocacy led her to join a campaign that exposed cruel experiments on dogs at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, Ontario. The public outcry resulted in the closure of the controversial dog lab in August 2025.
Inspired by the resilience of these animals and the community’s support, 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 pick up Mack, one of ten former research dogs. Despite the unknown details of Mack’s past due to non-disclosure agreements, Ilic signed a contract acknowledging potential PTSD and fear-based behaviors in dogs like Mack.
The journey with Mack revealed his timid nature and fear of everyday things like elevators. However, Mack’s eagerness for love and affection shone through, melting Ilic’s heart. Unlike shelter or street dogs, former research dogs like Mack lack essential life experiences and often struggle with basic skills like walking on a leash. Each small moment of progress with Mack felt like a significant achievement for Ilic.
Through her bond with Mack, Ilic gained a deeper understanding of animal suffering beyond statistics and reports. Mack’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and vulnerability of animals used in research. Adopting Mack has renewed Ilic’s commitment to advocating for animal rights, as she witnesses the transformation of a once fearful dog into a cherished companion living his best life.
Today, Mack thrives in his new home, enjoying the comfort of a soft bed, playtime with other dogs, and the love he always craved. Ilic’s journey with Mack reinforces her belief in the importance of animal rights and the hope for a future where no animal, like Mack, will suffer for scientific purposes.
