Nives Ilic, an animal rights advocate residing in Ottawa, shares a touching account of her experience adopting a former research dog named Mack. Mack, who spent his initial years in a laboratory, was embraced by Ilic with open arms. Witnessing the distressing conditions laboratory animals endure, Ilic’s involvement in animal advocacy deepened.
In collaboration with Animal Justice, Ilic engaged in a campaign to expose the inhumane experiments conducted on dogs at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, Ont. The public outcry following this revelation led to the closure of the hospital’s dog lab in August 2025. This experience fueled Ilic’s determination to assist animals facing similar fates.
As a foster mom approved by The Beagle Alliance, a rescue organization dedicated to rehabilitating laboratory dogs, Ilic journeyed to London to welcome Mack into her home. Despite the undisclosed details of Mack’s past testing, Ilic signed a contract acknowledging potential PTSD symptoms and fear-based behaviors in former research dogs.
Upon Mack’s arrival, his anxiety and unfamiliarity with basic experiences like sunlight and walking on a leash became apparent. Despite his traumatic history, Mack exhibited a yearning for love and companionship, quickly bonding with Ilic, her other pets, and even strangers. Each moment of progress with Mack felt like a monumental triumph for Ilic.
Through Mack’s journey of adaptation and discovery, Ilic gained a profound understanding of animal suffering beyond statistics. Mack’s resilience and transformation underscored the significance of providing a second chance to animals like him. Adopting Mack reaffirmed Ilic’s commitment to animal rights and the belief that every saved life contributes to a brighter future for all creatures.
Today, Mack thrives in his new life, embraced by Ilic as a permanent member of her family. His days are filled with comfort, playfulness, and the love he so deserves. Mack’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of advocating for animal welfare and striving for a future where no animal endures suffering in the name of science.