* OUR MISSION *

K9 Care and Rescue is a small group of dedicated volunteers who have been helping quietly for four years by finding and donating food, educating dog owners, providing dog houses, arranging veterinary care, fostering, and finding new homes. As an organization, "K9 Care and Rescue" is in the beginning stages. Presently we have two field workers and a web site developer. WE NEED 4 BOARD MEMBERS IN ORDER TO GAIN CHARITY STATUS. We are still in need of additional committed, loyal volunteers in order to continue our mission.

* OUR HISTORY *

K9 Care and Rescue began with one person feeding hungry dogs from her car in a local First Nations community. This area is one of extreme poverty, complicated by a number of social problems; therefore animal welfare cannot be a priority for these people. Because this is Crown Land the SPCA does not and cannot provide services.

In 2005, Robin Bird (known on the reserve as "The Dog Lady"), began to take table scraps to hungry dogs, and gave them some much-needed affection. At most, only 15 dogs received one tasty morsel a week, until a year or more later, when a few donations came in. Within months, the need for vaccines, de-wormers and flea control became apparent, and a few dogs received these. Over a period of 2 ½ years, more of these were administered, as well as Coccidiosis and Mange treatment and prevention medication.

Pet owners on the reservation started receiving door- to-door visits and flyers with information on control and prevention of several ailments and diseases, as well as the food and water requirements for their pets. Over the years, several dogs and puppies were surrendered to Robin, and she was asked to find good homes for them. Others wanted temporary care for their sick animal during a crisis. More and more people became responsive to the education provided, and some wanted their dogs altered to help relieve the dog over-population problem. Several of the First Nations people agreed to feed the stray dogs if dry food was available to them.

Dr. Iliya Belosivic at the Barrhead Vet Clinic was approached for help, and a discount deal was made concerning the animals from the reservation. Dr. Iliya started to give a wealth of information on the care and health of these dogs, as well as being available to K9 Care And Rescue 24/7.

A turning point at the reservation occurred late in 2006, when two Security Officers on patrol asked Robin not just to feed the dogs but take them home; followed by official permission from the Chief and Councillars in early 2007, to actively care for and find good homes for the dogs.

People in the greater community of Edmonton started responding to Robin’s pleas by donating various items, money for spaying or vaccinations, adopting dogs that needed homes, or providing foster homes.

K9 Care and Rescue is a small group of dedicated volunteers who have been helping quietly for three years by finding and donating food, educating dog owners, providing dog houses, arranging veterinary care, fostering, and finding new homes. As an organization, "K9 Care and Rescue" is in the beginning stages. Presently we have one field worker and a web site developer. We are still in need of additional committed, loyal volunteers in order to continue our mission.