Thirty six dogs are one step closer to a new life with a loving family thanks to the Kelowna Vet Clinic, who closed their doors to the public for a day to host a spay and neuter extravaganza.
Paws it Forward, a Kelowna-based dog rescue organization currently has more than 100 dogs in their care, and many of them require medical attention.
Before dogs can be re-homed, they must be up to date on vaccinations, medically found and spayed or neutered, explained Kristina Littleford, the co-founder of Paws it Forward.
The Kelowna Vet Clinic stepped up and hosted a spay and neuter day for 36 of Paws it Forward’s newest intakes, a group of small dogs that were rescued from a kill-shelter.
In addition to the vet clinic staff and Paws it Forward team, some young volunteers from the next generation of animal activists spent their day at the clinic ensuring the dogs were comfortable and adequately snuggled.
Littleford explained that a combination of unethical breeders not being able to sell puppies and an influx of post-COVID owner surrenders have overwhelmed animal shelters across North America.
She said that the rescue organization is regularly asked to take in surrenders from people who got a dog during COVID lock downs without proper planning, training and foresight. Additionally, Littleford said that unethical breeders attempted to capitalize on the boom in demand for a puppy and are now left with more dogs than they can care for and are dumping them on rescues like Paws it Forward.
READ MORE: Breeders contributing to surge in surrendered pups: Kelowna rescue speaks out
She said that Paws it Forward will continue to rescue and help dogs, with support from the Kelowna Vet Clinic.
Dr. Ellen Nicklassen, a veterinarian, said that helping out is an easy decision for her and the team at Kelowna Vet Clinic.
“I got into this business to help animals and we have the capacity to do it.”
Paws it Forward is bringing in a new batch of dogs and is expecting some of their mamas to have their puppies in the coming weeks, increasing their need for community support. People who are available to foster, volunteer, or donate can do so at pawsitforward.org.
To view adoptable dogs and puppies, visit pawsitforward.com/adoption.
READ MORE: AMBER ALERT: Search for 2 missing children, mother continues across B.C.
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Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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