Dawn MacDonald has saved approximately 135 dogs in Stanley Mission. (submitted photo/Dawn MacDonald)

By Derek Cornet

Almost Home

Alberta canine rescue group wants to continue saving dogs in Stanley Mission during pandemic

May 7, 2020 | 5:00 PM

Calgary-based Almost Home Canine Rescue Founder Dawn MacDonald wants to continue rescuing dogs in Stanley Mission despite the pandemic.

She was most recently in the Lac La Ronge Indian Band community Saturday when she was denied permission at the local check stop to enter. MacDonald was met at the barricade by residents, however, who surrendered eight dogs to be taken back south. In exchange, she left sanitizer, gloves, masks and dog food.

“I understand they don’t want me in their community and I respect that,” MacDonald said. “We are an essential service, so we are fighting for the dogs still. It is difficult because people don’t want us there right now and I understand that, but somebody has to be there for these dogs so the number of dogs that are going to be there when we are allowed in isn’t going to be ridiculous.”

MacDonald has been working to alleviate the stray dog population in Stanley Mission for nearly a year. In that time, she has made about a dozen trips and saved approximately 135 dogs. MacDonald has reached out to other communities who could need help, but explained she wants to continue rescuing in Stanley Mission because she believes she can make a difference and local residents have been welcoming.

MacDonald also expects to return to the community in two weeks and is hopeful she’ll be able to rescue even more dogs. She would like to drive into the community directly, but follow strict social distancing guidelines. MacDonald wouldn’t enter any homes, washrooms or facilities, and she’d also wear a mask and gloves.

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“There is a way around this to help those dogs where we don’t have to be in contact with people,” she said. “We do need to get in to help these dogs. There are litters being born all the time and these dogs are in danger.”

It’s also an ideal time for animal adoptions as there has been a dramatic rise throughout Western Canada. In the last two months, MacDonald has been able to adopt 60 dogs.

“So many people are off work right now and wanting to adopt these dogs,” she said.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno