Canadian Business Awards 2020

CORPORATE VISION / Canadian Business Awards 2020 5 Reverence for Life Morocco (awaiting adoption) During one of the first snow storms of the 2019 winter, early in the morning one of our staff came across a small carrier outside the back door. Temperatures that morning were in the minus 30s (celsius). The snow covered crate was brought into the Shelter and when opened it was discovered that there were 4 full grown cats wedged inside of it with no room to move. The innocent animals were scared and frozen. After receiving veterinary and Shelter care all but one of those beautiful cats have been adopted. Remaining at the Shelter awaiting adoption is Morocco. Upon arrival she appeared to be the most traumatized, guarded, shy and very scared. After being with us for a few months she is slowly learning to trust. Morocco is now extremely chatty and loves to be pet. She even demands attention by sticking her paws out of her cage and grabbing passerbys. She is still awaiting her forever home. If you are interested in adopting Morocco, please contact one of the adoption counsellors at 204-832-9880 or email [email protected] referred by special needs agencies, thus enabling their clients to gain valuable work experience. Other volunteers, many with high levels of expertise, willingly donate their time and knowledge towards helping organize and run special events to raise funds or share the message of the Shelter with others. Working in a charity pet rescue shelter, as staff members or volunteer, requires an outstanding level of character and dedication. The Shelter is fortunate to be able to call upon the nearby Assiniboia Animal Hospital for assistance with any medical malady that an animal may be afflicted with. Led by Dr. Peter Schwartz, a brilliant veterinarian, this organization works in constant collaboration to treat animals’ diseases, injuries or spaying/neutering amongst other things. Their assistance is often given well beyond regular business hours, and whenever possible they charge reduced prices. The Shelter is able to act as a home for up to 160 animals at any one time, with willing and kind supporters’ foster pets awaiting acceptance to the Shelter. The Shelter is always full to capacity with a waiting list of over 300 waiting to come in. Priority is understandably given to any animals in imminent danger of being harmed or if their lives are in danger for any reason. Having originally confined its work to the City of Winnipeg, the Shelter now provides service as needed throughout the Province of Manitoba. It is not uncommon Hulk (awaiting adoption) Hulk originally came to us in the summer of 2019 along with his four siblings. The group of 6 week old puppies were flown down to us after being found abandoned outdoors. Not long after their arrival, all of these puppies were adopted and went to their new homes. Unfortunately 5 months later, we received a call requesting to return Hulk, as his family was moving away and could not take him along. We immediately brought him back. This is his second stay at the shelter, and hopefully his last! He is an extremely goofy and happy boy. He loves to play in the snow and loves all people and animals he meets. He is still looking for the perfect family to spend the rest of his life with. for neglected pets to be flown in on a regular basis from as far as Nunavut in the North West Territories. These animals are able receive the Shelter’s care, medical treatment and be adopted just as easily as those that come from the local area. This incredible growth is not only a sure sign of sustainable success, but a far cry from opinion when the Shelter originally opened. While its launch as Manitoba’s First Registered No-Kill Animal Shelter was hailed on national television, many regarded the mission and program as something that, although incredibly noble, was financially unrealistic. It’s no secret that the Shelter has incredible overheads to match the incredible work that it does and the sheer volume of animals that it has a duty of care for. Although the Shelter is a Registered Charity and is therefore able to issue official tax receipts, it receives No Government Funding. Instead, it relies solely on the support of the community. Given the enormous expenses involved, the challenge is not only looking after the animals to the level that they require, but also ensures that the organization maintains solvency. Regular fundraising and strong response from the community are indispensable factors. The “Helping Heroes” program (www.petrescueshelter.com ) is a significant contributor to essential surgeries, medications and day to day expenses that