As far back as memory takes me, I have felt a special affinity towards animals. When I was young and growing up in Winnipeg, animal rescue organizations were few, if any. What was provided followed more the principle of animal control, namely The Winnipeg Pound.
Rightly or wrongly, in my young mind ‘The Pound’ soon came to be affiliated with ‘the dog-catcher’. I can’t remember the hows and whys of it all … I only know that this was so. And, as everyone knows (especially if you are a kid ) the dog-catcher is one bad dude. *sigh*
I admit.. the connotations stuck even into my not-so-young years.
As time passed my sense of connection with animals (especially dogs) only intensified. Slowly and with a growing need, rescue organizations and shelters started to sprout and I began to look for ways to volunteer.
Over the years I walked shelter dogs, did hospital pet visits, cleaned cat cages, and even provided foster care. Much of my involvement was via the Winnipeg Humane Society but some was also through local dog rescues.
But, the truth be told, there was one animal shelter that I tended to avoid. That was Winnipeg Animal Services (formally the Winnipeg Pound). I couldn’t seem to get past the negative implications that I harboured and admittedly I did little to change them.
Interestingly, on occasion, while interacting with others in the Winnipeg dog community, I would catch little tidbits about the adoption work being done at W.A.S. More than once I remember thinking, “hmm, they have an adoption program?” But then never followed it further.
Then, on an unseasonably warm October day last fall, while attending a local animal rescue fair, camera in hand, I could sense some of my previous assumptions loosening their grip.
That warm afternoon, as I strolled through one of the large display tents, I came across this adorable floppy eared, five month old pup who, by chance, was being cared for and sitting next to the Winnipeg Animal Services display. A bright orange ‘Adopt Me’ banner lay draped across his back. His pull on my heart strings had me wanting his picture… click.
It’s funny how things sometimes happen. How one simple action will easily and naturally roll into another… resulting in a domino effect reaction with the conclusion seemingly destined from the get-go. Through a combination of that photo and then other stepping stone events, a friend adopted this dog and Animal Services became aware of my photography .
Long story short, soon thereafter a surprised me found myself actually walking through the doors of the Winnipeg Animal Services building, again with camera in hand, this time to photograph some of their adoptable dogs. (whole story here)
Now, some 3 months later, I am a registered volunteer with this shelter and feel very privileged to be able to contribute in some small way to the awesome rescue work that they are providing for the Winnipeg community.
Some things I have learned about Winnipeg Animal Services:
- Most importantly… *they are not the big bad dog-catcher*. What they actually do is rescue lost and stray dogs from the streets. Any dog that enters through their doors is given a second chance… either through the finding of the owner or, if that fails, through the adoption program.
- Every attempt is made to find a dog’s owner. Sadly approximately 45% of the dogs remain unclaimed.
- Many of these unclaimed dogs are then offered a second chance through the Winnipeg Animal Services Adoption Program. Over 400 dogs were re-homed in 2010 alone.
- Dogs in the adoption program are not euthanized. If finding a home is taking an overly long time, the dogs are placed in foster homes or with a local rescue organization.
- The Winnipeg dog licensing program aids in returning lost dogs to their owners, helps to pay for food and shelter for the many stray dogs, funds the adoption program and assists in the provision of veterinary care.
- W.A.S. is also involved in public education especially in regards to spaying and neutering and the benefits of responsible dog ownership.
- As well, W.A.S. is one of three city affiliates involved in Fields for Fido… our off-leash dog areas.
- Even thought this is a city run endeavour… funding is limited. Personal contributions and donations are very much needed and appreciated.
- As is the way with most rescue shelters, the support of volunteers is of great importance and heavily relied upon.
Needless to say, my attitude towards Winnipeg Animal Services has done a complete 180.
And what surprises me even more is how good this collaboration between them and me feels… a near perfect fit.
I guess the long and the (not so) short of it is…
If you are looking for a dog to add to your situation, please consider giving a second chance to one of the many dogs currently being cared for in shelters and rescue organizations. And please… if you live in Winnipeg or the surrounding area, include Winnipeg Animal Services on your list of places to visit. Their adoption program is one of the best.
“Saving one dog may not change the world,
but the world will surely change for that one dog.”
Recommended links:
Winnipeg Animal Services
Friends of Animal Services … a volunteer group (facebook page)
Winnipeg Animal Services Adoptable Dogs (via petfinder).
Great Dogs Needing Good Homes
49.895452
-97.138273
Even though I have gone through this many times and over many years, it is still difficult not to be swallowed up by the growing resentment and weariness that comes with the seemingly never-ending cold.
