Alberta Runs on Empties — and so does Queso’s Happy Ending

Submitted by Humane Animal Rescue Team (HART) about their experience working with Quick Stop Bottle Depot in Edmonton

On July 31st, hart received an urgent request to help a little Pug who had been attacked by other dogs. He had gone days without vet care and could no longer move. When our volunteer rushed him to one of our vet partners, Queso was critically ill and very close to death.

Thanks to the lifesaving medical care he received — care made possible in part due to funds raised through our partnership with Alberta Depot and Quick Stop Bottle Depot — Queso fought hard. Funds raised from returned empties help us respond to emergency cases just like his, giving dogs the second chance they deserve.

When Queso was discharged from the emergency vet, he continued his recovery with the same amazing volunteer who picked him up in his darkest moments. With endless love, proper medical treatment (even after losing one eye), and the unwavering support of hart, Queso made a full recovery and proved himself to be one incredibly brave boy.

During his healing, two members of hart’s medical team visited him in foster care to support his foster mom — and unknowingly began forming a deep bond with him. So, when it came time for Queso to be listed for adoption, Sarah and David knew their hearts had already chosen him.

Today, Queso has a big brother named Archer, loves adventuring, and carries a healthy dose of Pugatude that keeps his family laughing every day.

Queso is just one of countless dogs who are alive today because of hart — and because Albertans return their empties. Through our partnership with Quick Stop Bottle Depot, every bottle and can helps provide emergency medical care, transport, and safe shelter for dogs in need.

Their Instagram page is Archer con Queso (Archer with Cheese).

$12k has been raised through this partnership from 2020 to today.