Winnipeggers open hearts, wallets and homes for rescued dogs
Article content
Winnipeggers have opened their hearts, wallets and even homes to 68 dogs rescued earlier this week.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Winnipeggers open hearts, wallets and homes for rescued dogs Back to video
On Wednesday, City of Winnipeg Animal Service officers and members of the Winnipeg Police went to a home in the Richmond West neighbourhood for a well-being check at 1 a.m., where they discovered the dogs. It is the largest known seizure of animals in the city’s history.
The Maltese dogs of varying ages were living in inhumane conditions, officials said, with the pups covered in feces and traumatized.
Since then, more than $118,000 has been donated to the WHS for the care of the puppies, far exceeding the initial $25,000 goal and the $75,000 stretch goal. As well, over 150 applications to foster the dogs have come in forcing the WHS to close applications for fosters, and stop taking calls or emails about adoption.
“We’ve just been completely overwhelmed is a great word with the incredible response from the public, both in financial donations, (and) donations of some of the supplies from towels to puppy pee pads that we need to care for the animals,” said Carly Peters, WHS Director of Communications and Marketing. “Even just dropping off food and coffee for the staff and volunteers who are working tirelessly here. (There’s been) A huge influx of applications for fosters and even support online saying, ‘Thank you for all you do.’ Those things mean a lot to everyone working here.
“That simple thanks can go a long way.”
The WHS is currently helping assist Animal Services with medical care and boarding for the animals while Winnipeg Police complete their investigation. It is estimated that it could cost up to $150,000 for the dogs’ care.
WHS has begun the task of medically assessing and grooming the animals as they come into the shelter. Along with increased staff levels in clinic and animal care, a temporary “salon” has been set up in the WHS’ training centre for volunteer groomers to work.
“Before this, we were at crisis capacity so this stretches our already over-stretched staff, budget and space. We’ve brought in extra staff to help. The foster team has brought in extra staff to help. We have had a great response of volunteer groomers. PetSmart sent over nine groomers (Thursday) to help with that. It’s just kind of been an all-hands-on-deck (situation).
“We have such an incredible staff here. They just hunker down and get things done because that’s what you have to do and this is what they’re here to do and they love it. It is obviously extremely stressful and the situations can be traumatic in a way because it is a lot of work. But everyone has risen to the occasion with empathy and kindness for each other and the animals. It’s a really great team to be a part of.”
Of the 68 dogs, WHS has received 40 of them as of Friday with 20 of those dogs having already gone to fosters.
Donations will still be accepted at the WHS website. They also will be posting updates.
gdawkins@postmedia.com
X: @SunGlenDawkins
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.