The “bark bus” has arrived in Orillia, carrying some precious cargo from the North.
The Orillia branch of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) has received some of the 27 dogs that have been brought south through the Year of the Northern Dog program.
They were flown by North Star Air from Cat Lake First Nation, about 300 kilometres northeast of Kenora, to Pickle Lake. Volunteers then drove them to Sault Ste. Marie.
From there, Northern Legacy Horse Farm delivered them to OSPCA branches in Barrie, Midland, Muskoka, Orangeville, Orillia and Stouffville, while the Toronto Humane Society is also taking some of the dogs.
They will be ready for new homes after they have received vaccinations, health checks, and are spayed or neutered.
Carol Beard, manager of the Orillia branch, described the Year of the Northern Dog program as a “win-win” for the Northern communities and the OSPCA.
“They need to have their animal populations lowered and we are always looking for homes for dogs, so it works out for everybody,” she said.
There was an urgent need to relocate the dogs as temperatures continue to drop. Some of the dogs were strays while others were surrendered by their owners to the OSPCA.
“We live in a geographic area where people are always looking for dogs,” Beard said.
It’s not the first time dogs from the North have come to the area for adoption. Across the province, the OSPCA has taken in more than 400 animals from almost 30 Northern communities this year. The response is always positive, Beard said.
“People love them. The dogs are so well rounded and friendly,” she said. “It’s always a successful adoption for them.”
The OSPCA declared 2018 the Year of the Northern Dog in an attempt to raise awareness about overpopulation.
“In response to many caring and compassionate Northern communities, the Ontario SPCA and its partners have developed a network of individuals, organizations and communities aimed at bringing awareness to the issue and working alongside Northern communities with a common goal — to change lives,” the agency stated in a news release.
The OSPCA credited Cat Lake First Nation leaders, “who are implementing pet wellness initiatives, including an upcoming spay/neuter clinic, to create a healthy community for pets and people.”
For more information on the program, visit northerndog.com.
To inquire about adopting one of the dogs, contact the Orillia branch of the OSPCA at 705-325-1304 or [email protected].
