Nives Ilic, an animal rights advocate residing in Ottawa, shares a heartfelt account of her experience adopting a former research dog named Mack. Mack, who spent the initial six years of his life in a laboratory, captured Ilic’s heart from the moment they met. Despite her previous involvement in animal welfare activities, nothing prepared her for the emotional journey of bringing a research dog into her home.
In light of the exposure of dog experiments at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, Ontario, Ilic joined forces with Animal Justice in a campaign to end the cruel practices. The public outcry led to the closure of the controversial dog lab in August 2025. Witnessing the suffering of these animals and the community’s efforts to protect them fueled Ilic’s determination to advocate for animals in similar distress.
Approved as a foster parent for The Beagle Alliance, a rescue dedicated to rehabilitating laboratory dogs, Ilic embarked on a transformative journey to adopt Mack. Despite the secrecy surrounding Mack’s past due to non-disclosure agreements, Ilic signed a contract acknowledging potential PTSD and fear-related behaviors in former research dogs. The initial days with Mack revealed his deep-seated fears, evident in his reluctance towards everyday experiences like elevators and leashes.
Contrary to Ilic’s initial concerns, Mack exhibited a longing for love and companionship, showing remarkable resilience and a gentle nature towards humans and other animals. Unlike shelter dogs, Mack had never experienced life beyond a laboratory, making every new encounter a learning opportunity for the seven-year-old canine. Ilic’s bond with Mack illuminated the plight of research animals in a profound way, emphasizing the importance of individual stories over statistics.
Today, Mack thrives in his newfound life, embraced by Ilic as a permanent member of her family. His days are filled with comfort, playfulness, and the affection he craved for so long. Through Mack’s journey, Ilic finds renewed purpose in advocating for animal rights, emphasizing the unique value of each rescued life and the hope for a future where no animal endures suffering in the name of science.
