It has only been operating since May, but Cool Dog Rescue has already saved more than 50 dogs from certain death.
The goal of the small, foster-based, non-profit dog rescue is to save dogs facing euthanasia in Quebec. Montreal’s Animal Rescue Network, that city’s largest no-kill shelter, states that the province of Quebec has the worst record of animal abandonment in North America.
That moved Hammonds Plains resident Kelly Cool to start Cool Dog Rescue, which brings dogs facing euthanasia in Quebec to the Maritimes where they are fostered and adopted into loving homes.
“The average apparently is for a family to keep a dog for a couple of years, then all these animals, dogs in particular in Quebec, are then either dumped and abandoned somewhere or end up in pounds or shelters,” Cool explained.
“Even if they (workers) don’t want to, eventually the animals are euthanized for sheer volume reasons. Some use more barbaric methods ... We work with a shelter in Quebec we really like and they do their best to do what they can.”
It didn’t take long for like-minded dog lovers to jump on board. Since setting up her rescue’s Facebook page in May, she has amassed a group of volunteers.
“We basically always need help in any area. We always need foster homes, adopters, people to volunteer with transportation and fundraising,” Cool said. “That allows us to keep going. We have to get the dogs vetted and pay transportation costs.”
Although she and another volunteer made the first few trips to Quebec in their own vans, Cool said they’re primarily relying on dog-loving travellers to help.
“We’re trying to get anyone travelling from Montreal to here to bring a dog. If we can get a steady stream of people in their travels bringing a dog back with them, that is ideal for us,” she said.
The majority of the 50 dogs brought to the Maritimes from Quebec have already been adopted. Cool said her group has a network of foster families, but they try to ensure dogs get into loving homes fairly quickly.
“I feel bad sometimes (that there are) dogs in Nova Scotia, but these dogs in Quebec are in mortal danger,” she said. “We do help some Nova Scotia dogs when we can, but these (Quebec) dogs are days away or less from being euthanized.”
Cool is currently fostering a Quebec dog who’s likely going to become the family’s third canine companion.
“She probably never knew love in her life, but is the sweetest, most gentle dog ever,” Cool said. “These are friendly, healthy dogs being euthanized for nothing.”
FACT BOX
Basinview Animal Hospital in Bedford is donating the proceeds of its upcoming annual charity auction to both Cool Dog Rescue and the Halifax Feral Cat Rescue. That event takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Brewsters Bar & Grill.
Tickets are $5 and can be picked up at the clinic Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Learn more at www.facebook.com/CoolDogRescue or by emailing Cool at cooldogrescue@hotmail.ca .
ydentremont@hfxnews.ca
