Ida Koric
Rossland News
Local non-profit Hope Emergency Adoption, Rescue & Transport (HEART) dog rescue is throwing a celebration to commemorate their 100th adoption.
The group, which brings neglected dogs to the Kootenays from over-crowded shelters and remote communities, has found homes for 27 dogs in Rossland alone since its inception in March of 2011. The one hundredth adoption occurred in September of last year, but time and a fair-weather season was needed to plan a celebration which will be taking place this year on June 12.
Instead of hosting the labour-intensive Mutt Strut this year (which will now become a bi-annual instead of annual event), HEART decided to throw a party instead – free food and drink, as well as a space for dogs to frolic.
Invites have been extended to all those who have adopted HEART dogs (currently numbering 126), as well as indispensable fosters, volunteers, local businesses and donors. The event is intended to show our gratitude to all of those who have supported us these past years, but is also a great opportunity for people to reunite with the dogs they have helped along the way.
One of our most recent May adoptions was Tala, originally given the name “Plum” by her rescuers. Tala was a roaming dog in the community of Wrigley, NWT, from which she was pulled merely days before the RCMP were to undertake a loose dog cull. HEART worked with the Yellowknife SPCA to fly her to Edmonton and find her a ride the rest of the way.
At only one year of age, and full of love and positive energy, Tala was with us for a handful of days before getting scooped by a Rossland family. She will now enjoy her days as every dog should – running the forested trails by day and sleeping in the comfort and safety of a loving home by night.
There is no shortage of stories both depressing and infuriating - from puppies living in garbage dumps, to dogs on death row. At times the dogs are malnourished, frostbitten, injured, or suffer from emotional distresses like fear and anxiety. HEART’s mission is to help these dogs transition to pet life, and to ensure that each one lives out the rest of its days learning that the world can be wonderful and full of kind people.
We wouldn’t be able to have the success we do without the support of the community. We encourage people not to breed their dogs or buy from breeders, and thank all those who have looked to local shelters and organizations to add to their family.
HEART always needs more foster homes, as well as transport from Edmonton or Red Deer to the Kootenays. If you can help in either of these capacities, please contact us at heartdogrescue@gmail.com.
Keep an eye out for us at the Mountain Market. Our website, www.heartdogrescue.com is also a great source of information on what we do and also lists the dogs we currently have up for adoption.