The Road to Manitoba

In July, we approached another rescue out in Manitoba, K9 Advocates, who have connections to the First Nation communities. There is an overwhelming number of stray dogs looking for homes out there and rescue dogs are at a disadvantage when it comes to adoption in Manitoba due to the fact that all 63 First Nation communities are so overpopulated. There are 36 rescues in Manitoba and all are very full including local shelters. Without hesitation, we jumped at the chance and immediately started raising funds to help those dogs.

So many people and businesses reached out in support, including EarthRated who donated supplies. We even had a silent donor who paid for our trucks to go get the little guys. We reached out to local pet stores (multiple locations of Pitou Minou & Compagnons and also Chico) and received an overwhelming amount of food, some of which we also donated to K9 Advocates as well. Some of our team and RAD community members organized donation drives which brought us toys, beds, collars and leashes. We even had an Amazon wishlist where people were able to purchase items for these dogs. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and so grateful.

Finally on Friday, July 17th, bright and early in the morning, 6 RAD team members loaded up the trucks and took the long drive to Manitoba. We drove straight through the night only stopping for fuel, switching of the drivers, or to stretch out our legs.  The overnight driving was the scariest part with the massive rigs and narrow roads but our team did not flinch. Even when faced with the fear of running out of gas with no station in sight, we kept pushing forward. 

Finally we arrived in Manitoba the following night. Even though we were exhausted,  we set up all the crates and made sure they were properly secured and comfy for our new furry friends. At that point, having barely slept or not at all in some cases,  everyone crashed at the hotel, comforted by the thought that first thing the next morning we would have the opportunity to rescue 21 dogs and help them find their forever homes.

At the first sign of daylight on Sunday morning, we sprung into action, except Rob who set his alarm for 7pm instead of 7am so Karen had to wake him up by playing him a lovely drum solo on the door of the hotel suite. Onwards and upwards!