Manitoba Mutts creating awareness for rescues through adoption fair

By Kellen Taniguchi

Faron Sproat and his foster dog Vienna greeted people as they entered Pet Valu for the adoption fair. / KELLEN TANIGUCHI.

On Nov. 25, 2018, Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue hosted the Puppy Palooza Adoption Fair at Pet Valu’s Main Street location.

Manitoba Mutts found homes for 426 animals this year. The shelter’s adoption fairs have been successful in the past, raising over $18,000 in 2017.

Pet Valu store manager, Ashley Gorman, 26, said the franchise tries to do one event per month by reaching out to local animal rescues for participation.

Pet Valu store manager, Ashley Gorman, 26, is excited her location is supporting Manitoba Mutts and hosting their adoption fair. / KELLEN TANIGUCHI.

The shelter continues to find dogs and cats in need of help every day.

“I think everyone is aware that there is a huge crisis,” said Angela Duong, 32, Manitoba Mutts adoption fair manager. “I think it’s important that people put in some time to help them.”

Phoebe Sterdan, 33, is one of the rescue’s directors said in 2017, Manitoba Mutts spent over $55,000 on veterinary bills to help animals who were sick or injured. Many animals are brought in with extreme injuries and the shelter refers to them as “super troopers” because of their will to survive. Seven super troopers passed away due to their injuries last year.

The rescue relies on donations and adoption fairs are just one of many ways they raise money to afford these costs.

Mountain, three months old, is one of the dogs at the adoption fair. / KELLEN TANIGUCHI.

Many dogs and cats come in with severe injuries and diseases, costing the rescue thousands of dollars. A dog’s heart and kidney worm treatment costs over $5,000, while a leg amputation costs the rescue around $3,000.

Volunteers see animals at their worst, but also see them make full recoveries and be loved by their adopted family.

“It’s heartwarming to see so many dogs and cats find new families, and warm homes as the cold weather is approaching,” said Sterdan.

Red River College was involved in a similar cause when the school’s radio station, Anthem, hosted the Don’t Stop Retrieving Radiothon on Nov. 22, 2018. All donations raised went to support the K9 Advocates.