Weegz and Wagz is an animal wellness program that focuses on keeping pets together with their owners

Calgary Flames defenseman Mackenzie Vigar and his fiancee Maggie are teaming up with a local organization to help make a difference for animals off the ice.

Paired with pet parachutes, the couple created Weegz and Wagz, a pet wellness program. This helps people who are not lucky enough to get free veterinary care for their animals.

Vigar loves animals and says saving these animals is what she is all about.

“You know how to save a pet from death or a bad time or some other situation. You know, having them around is huge and it's an honor to be a part of this charity,” he said.

HELP ANIMALS

Weegz and Wagz pet wellness program opened Wednesday.

This is a service that helps many Calgarians. Melissa David is the CEO and founder of Parachutes, a pet company. He says Weegz and Wagz offer a holistic approach to pet care.

“Veterinary care and conservation,” he said. “We're seeing a housing crisis right now in Calgary, and unfortunately, a lot of these people are going to be homeless, and now they're having to surrender their pets.

“We have a retention program, we have a maintenance program. Grooming is expensive and many dogs are medically necessary, so we can provide care at home. We have pet food banks and vet clinic days. So anything we can do to remove any barrier to people being able to stay with their pets is what we're trying to do with this program.”

A LOT OF DOGS

Leslie Schamehorn is homeless. He brought his two dogs to the clinic for examination.

Shamehorn says he doesn't know what to do without Sam and Skye.

“They are my everything,” he said.

“They are my therapy and I don't know where I would be today if it wasn't for them. They give me motivation and the desire to continue.”

SERVICES ARE IN HIGH DEMAND

According to Dr. Cody Creelman, having partners like Vigars is essential to help save pets, and the demand is endless.

“There are endless pets out there that need medical attention, but only preventative care. This is very important today to prevent disease in the future. Providing vaccination and deworming at the basic level is integral to health,” he said.

KISSING THEIR DOGS

The Vigars have two dogs, and McKenzie says she's terrified of giving them up. Therefore, this program is very close and dear to him.

“You know we love them to death and you know I'm thinking about them right now and I don't know what I'd do without these two dogs,” she said.

“They mean the world to me and I couldn't imagine someone going through such a difficult time and having to give it up, it's emotional to even think about.”