Winnipeggers open hearts, wallets and homes for rescued dogs

Content of the article

Winnipeggers opened their hearts, wallets and even their homes to 68 rescued dogs earlier this week.

Content of the article

On Wednesday, City of Winnipeg Animal Services officers and members of Winnipeg Police went to a Richmond West home at 1 a.m. to check on the welfare of the dogs, where they found the dogs. This is the largest animal capture in the history of the city.

Content of the article

Officials said the Maltese dogs of various ages were living in inhumane conditions, with puppies covered in feces and injured.

Since then, more than $118,000 has been donated to WHS to care for the puppies, surpassing the original $25,000 goal and $75,000 goal. Also, more than 150 requests to adopt dogs forced WHS to close applications for foster children and stop accepting adoption calls and emails.

“We've been absolutely blown away – it's a great word with a great response from the public, both in financial donations (and) donations of everything from animal care towels to puppy sticks.” said Carly Peters, WHS Director of Communications and Marketing. “Even serving food and coffee to the staff and volunteers who are working tirelessly here. (It was) A flood of requests for online support for foster carers, and even “Thank you all”. These things are very important to everyone who works here.

Content of the article

Content of the article

“That simple thank you can go a long way.”

Winnipeg Police are assisting WHS Animal Services with medical care and boarding of the animals while they complete their investigation. It is estimated that it can cost up to $150,000 to care for the dogs.

WHS began the task of medically evaluating and caring for the animals when they entered the shelter. Along with increased staffing levels in the clinic and animal care, a temporary “salon” has been created in the WHS training center for volunteers to work.

“Before, we were in a crisis situation, so this expands our overstaffing, budget and space. We have brought in additional staff to assist. The patronage team brought in additional staff to help. We have had a great response from volunteer carers. PetSmart sent over nine groomers (Thursday) to help with that. It was just an all-around (situation).

Content of the article

“We have a great staff here. They just dig in and get things done because that's what you're supposed to do and that's what they're here to do and they love it. It's a lot of work because it's very stressful and situations can lead to injuries. But everyone rose to the occasion with compassion and kindness for each other and for the animals. It's a really great team to be a part of.”

Of the 68 dogs, WHS took in 40 of them on Friday, 20 of which went into foster care.

Donations are still being accepted on the WHS website. They also post updates.

[email protected]

X: @SunGlenDawkins

Content of the article