Rescue for Life - First Nation's Spay/Neuter Initiatives

Overview:

Rescue for Life

2 Aspen Glen Drive, PO Box 9043, Spruce Grove, AB T7X 4H5

www.rescue4life.org

www.facebook.com/rescue4life

Rescue for Life - a registered Alberta non-profit - is a small animal no-kill rescue group operated out of Spruce Grove, Alberta and adopts to all over Western Canada! We focus mainly on First Nations animals requiring assistance.

Rescue for Life works in three ways:

(1) Removing/rehoming unwanted pets (we currently have around 40 up for adoption!)

(2) Responsible pet ownership education

(3) Spay/neuter clinics (funded by Rescue for Life)

These communities have hundreds to thousands of unfixed dogs and cats that are suffering the consequences of overpopulation – starvation, disease, dog aggression problems, and other standard issues associated with unfixed populations.

Rescue for Life is actively involved in educating the general public about responsible pet ownership including the importance of spaying/neutering through the regular attendance of rescue events in Edmonton and surrounding locales. Rescue for Life also provides handouts to the general public – at no cost – covering food selection, shelter requirements, the effects of chaining and animal abuse, dog aggression and behavior, the benefits of spaying/neutering, and many other topics.

Imagine what it must be like for a child to be greeted by starving dogs when they enter or exit their home, school or church. It is not uncommon for packs of stray dogs to fight over garbage or to gang up on dogs to steal the food provided to them by loving families. There is so much pain and sadness for people and animals alike when pet populations are out of control. A healthy human animal bond is a very important to the wellness of a community. We are bonded to animals, and they to us. The state of their care is a reflection of a community’s well being. This cause is as much about helping people as it about helping animals.

We are very proud of the partnerships we are building with community members and veterinary partners who are very anxious to work with us in 2012 to spay/neuter, vaccinate and tattoo/microchip animals in First Nation communities. They are keen to volunteer their time, but the purchase of equipment and supplies is required needed to start these on-site clinics. The goal is to reduce the suffering caused by overpopulation by getting to the root of the problem, which is a lack of spayed and neutered animals. Spaying and neutering the majority of these animals will aid in keeping the population under control in a humane way. Coupled with education and removing/rehoming the unwanted animals our goal is to provide effective long-term changes.

Rescue for Life relies solely on volunteers and donations. For Rescue for Life volunteers, they not only enjoy the satisfaction that comes from saving animals, they build lasting friendships and develop an awareness of some of the challenges faced by many First Nation communities.

Did you know… For every one dog we bring in about seven die waiting to come in.

The majority of our rescues – mainly dogs but some cats too – come from First Nation communities. Some are strays and some are owner surrenders.

We provide 300-500lbs of donated food each week in an effort to keep animals alive that are waiting to come in! Even this amount of food does not touch the problem. We have given out over 20,000 lbs of food this year so far!

Many of our dogs are severely malnourished when they first come in, due to overpopulation issues in the communities. Many have injuries requiring extensive surgeries.

We promote and educate people on responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering.

Now you know… help us make a difference!

2011 Year End (approx.) Veteranarian Care: $85,000* Additional Supplies and Services: $35,000 Transportation of Animals (out of province adoptions): $2500 Education: $1700 Advertising: $1500

*182 animals have gone through or are currently in the Foster/Adoption program, to date for 2011. In addition, Rescue for Life completed an in-house mash style clinic for the Paul First Nations where over 50 dogs and cats were spayed/neutered and returned back to the community.

For 2012, Rescue for Life, is planning to further develop their spay/neuter initiatives by completing on-site mash style clinics in Northern Alberta. The largest cost associated with on-site mash style clinics is the purchase of the required equipment.