Local dog rescue fills gaps by offering variety of programs
The Pack Project also acts as a food bank and educates youth about animal welfare
Despite the presence of several dog rescue organizations in the city, Wynter Philip says the need is so great there will never be too many.
That’s why she helped found The Pack Project in July 2014, a nonprofit foster-based dog rescue which also acts as a food bank for other Saskatchewan rescues and provides animal welfare education to youth.
“I’ve always been an animal lover. I’ve always been passionate about helping my community and putting the two together just makes sense for me,” Philip said.
She said after adopting her first rescue a few years ago and fostering dogs through other rescues, she noticed a need in the community that she thought she and her other co-founders could help meet.
She said each rescue group does its own amazing work in the community and The Pack Project helps fill in some of the gaps.
“We all do try to network and work together,” said Philip. “We are filling a different need because we are doing things beyond dog rescue.”
The Pack Project runs an animal outreach program — collecting donations such as food, supplies and money. Rescues across the province and even a few in Manitoba place orders for the things that they need.
“It just takes their focus off having to get supplies and being able to focus on the dogs,” said Philip.
They also run an education program where they give talks at schools or youth groups about animal wellness, proper care, dog bite prevention and more — something Philip said the Regina Humane Society does a bit of.
A therapy certification program is also in the works. Once up and running, volunteers can get certified to bring their dogs into care homes and other special needs homes for visits.
Philip credits other rescues for being able to offer services the Pack Project sometimes can’t as a foster-based rescue, such as taking in animals immediately — something the Regina Humane Society can do.
As a way to raise money and connect community members with local rescues, vet clinics and other animal welfare groups and resources, The Pack Project hosted PAWS, a fundraiser pet trade show on Saturday.
Groups like Bright Eyes Dog Rescue and Keeper of the Stars Pet Rescue had tables set up at the show. All admission and table fees went toward The Pack Project.
Veterinary technologist Brianna Redlich was there representing Albert North Veterinary Clinic, which works closely with The Pack Project and other rescue groups in the city.
She was sharing information about the Be A Tree dog bite prevention program the clinic is certified to teach, which educates kids how to approach and interact with dogs safely.
“It’s nice for people to know that we are here and that we do care about the community. We’re not just a business, that we’re there to help educate,” said Redlich.
Other non-animal based vendors were also invited to set up at the trade show and sell their wares or educate the community on their services.
“People love to support rescues and you’re seeing more and more events and businesses open up geared toward that,” said Philip.
For information on The Pack Project visit thepackproject.ca.