The Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) has received a grant from PetSmart Charities® in the amount of $150,000 over three years to address challenges in accessing veterinary care in South Indian Lake, a remote Northern community in Manitoba. Rising costs combined with geographical and cultural barriers have left many communities out of the veterinary care system altogether. This grant program supports innovative and culturally relevant veterinary programs. Early in 2023, PetSmart Charities, the top funder of animal welfare in the U.S., announced a $100 million commitment over the next five years to ..read more

The Manitoba government is strengthening Manitoba Agriculture’s Animal Health and Welfare branch with the creation of a new provincial veterinarian position focused on animal welfare, launching the Northern and Remote Veterinary Care Initiative and contributing $200,000 to the Winnipeg Humane Society for the expansion of its One Health Program and support the efforts of Feed the Furbabies Canada, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Indigenous Economic Development Minister Ian Bushie announced on March 28, 2024. “Our government is committed to working with communities and pet owners to provi ..read more

Cynthia Stewart volunteers at the Winnipeg Humane Society as a Food Bank Delivery Driver, a position she has held since April 2023. She is one of many drivers who deliver dog and cat food on a bi-weekly basis to people with low income or who have mobility issues. Cynthia began volunteering at the WHS in 2007 and has mostly worked at special events, such as Paws in Motion, the Bow Wow Ball, Bark in the Park, the Book Sale, WHS Telethon, and dog walking at the old shelter on Nairn Avenue. Now her efforts are mainly dedicated to pet food delivery. In her current role, she goes to the shelter ever ..read more

The Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) is launching the Trade in Your Trap campaign, which urges people to turn in their lethal animal traps to the WHS to prevent injuries and deaths of not only wildlife but non-target victims such as dogs and cats. Winslow, a two-year-old cat, was brought to the shelter’s clinic with severe injuries after being caught in an illegal trap in a Winnipeg neighbourhood. He is recovering well, but for others, the outcome has been fatal. “Traps don’t discriminate. They show no mercy to wildlife or beloved pets. All animals suffer immensely when they fall victim to traps ..read more

It’s probably safe to assume that, on Monday nights anyway, Miina Piir is the cats’ favourite person at the Winnipeg Humane Society. After all, she feeds them and, time permitting, gives them some pets and scritches. Miina might even get a chance to renew acquaintances with familiar faces. Just over a year ago she began fostering, and, of this writing, she’s fostered 17 cats and kittens – and most of them were bottle babies or mamas and babies, requiring feeding every few hours. After retiring from a 37-year military career, Miina started volunteering with the Winnipeg Humane Society in the fa ..read more

The WHS therapy dog program offers an incredible way for animals and humans to connect on many levels. And, it’s not just the people on the receiving end that can gain benefits. Volunteers with program can too, by: Being involved in your community: Volunteering as a therapy dog gives you and your dog a chance to visit new places, meet new people, and learn more about the communities we live in. Bringing a smile to people’s faces: Who doesn’t love spending time with a dog? By being a therapy dog volunteer, you get to see the happiness your dog brings to other people firsthand. Spending your da ..read more

Editor’s Note: For personal and professional reasons, this month’s Winnipeg Humane Society MVP has requested anonymity, so we’ll just call him Tim. Tim has been volunteering with the WHS for approximately one year. His three-year-old English Bulldog Gordon is also a WHS therapy dog. Their story will be told mainly from the perspective of Gordon. “About a year ago Tim and I came to the Winnipeg Humane Society,” Gordon recalls. “Dad had wanted to find something for us to do together that was fun for us both. Also, I’m a working dog by nature so it’s good for me to keep my 60 pounds of muscle in ..read more

For more than two years, Lorelle Selinger has managed to combine an executive career with a commitment to fostering animals for the Winnipeg Humane Society. Many people might find such a commitment taxing, but in May of 2023, Lorelle doubled down on her volunteering with the WHS. She and her almost four-year-old Siberian Husky named Meika took the required training and testing and Meika began work as a therapy dog. A few times a month, Lorelle and Meika visit with people in nursing homes, Stony Mountain Penitentiary or the Eagle Urban Transition Centre, a facility for people who have moved fro ..read more

It’s never been easier to celebrate the holiday season with our animal friends in mind. Our Humane Holiday Guide includes tree options that are kind to wildlife, cruelty-free gift ideas, plant-based meal inspiration, and tips to keep your companion animals safe amongst all of the holiday excitement. Holiday Tree Shopping Tree farms clear wild land for monoculture, which can be detrimental to native wildlife by reducing their natural habitat. Good news! A second-hand artificial tree will not only save money but can be reused for years to come. Or buy a potted, live tree that can be replanted ou ..read more

‘Tis the season to spread joy and what better way to do so than by treating our beloved pets to some holiday cheer? The WHS Pet Shop has curated a delightful selection of gifts that are sure to make tails wag and whiskers wiggle. Whether you have a canine companion or a feline friend, our gift guide has something for every pet. Let the festivities begin! Dog Can Treats Trio: A Canine Culinary Delight Who can resist the allure of holiday treats? Our Dog Can Treats assortment is a feast for your furry friend, featuring three tantalizing tins of goodness. From peanut butter biscuits to freeze-dri ..read more