– by Deborah Rogers –
There’s no doubt that the Saanich Peninsula is a community of animal lovers. It’s the perfect place to own a pet, with our green surroundings and large number of trails and parks. It’s estimated that approximately 38% of Canadian households own a cat and 35% a dog, but a visit any morning to one of our local parks could make you think it was much larger than that.
At Dominion Brook Park last week I met Pico (short for Picorita), a playful year-old pup, out for one of her many daily walks. As I chatted to her owner I heard a story that seemed familiar. They had found Pico on the street in Mexico, injured and in a bad way. She was brought to a vet and fixed up a little, and, despite not having owned a dog for over 30 years, they decided they couldn’t return to Canada and just leave her there.
It’s not the first time I’d heard a story like it. It seems kind-hearted Canadians often come home from holiday with more than a suntan and happy memories: they have a long-term companion too.
Sue Wilson, at local not-for-profit Animals for Life, is very positive about the fact that there isn’t an animal problem here on the Peninsula. Currently they have a wait list for people wanting to adopt cats through them, and she relates with pleasure that there has never been an animal they couldn’t find a home for (even the 16-year-old Mary, a lynx point Siamese cat found abandoned with abscesses and dental problems). This is why people will often reach out to shelters abroad, usually in the United States or Mexico. Local organizations Mex-can pet partners (www.mex-can.org) and Mexpup (www.mexpup.com) can provide further information. In Sidney, Animals for Life (www.animalsforlifesociety.com) has been helping animals in our community for nearly 10 years, finding homes for over 2,000 animals in that time.
What Can I Do?
Protect your pet. Make sure that you have ID for your pet, whether it’s a microchip, tattoo or simply a collar and tag. Vets suggest using two methods is best.
Help lost animals. Being lost is very stressful for both the animal and its owner. If you find a lost dog or cat in your neighbourhood first try and reunite them locally by asking around, putting up posters or putting a notice somewhere like www.usedvictoria.com. If you have no luck then you need to bring the animal to your local B.C. SPCA. If the animal has a microchip or tattoo they will be able to check it there. Not all animals should be approached. Wild animals or injured animals can be unpredictable. If in doubt call the SPCA or Wild ARC 250-478-9453 for advice.
Support animal charities. You can make a difference simply by shopping at the local Animals for Life thrift store, or donating items to be sold there. You can also volunteer to help out at an animal charity or support a local fundraiser.
Consider adopting. If you are thinking about adding a pet to your home, consider adopting an animal first. With many local organizations available (Google “Animal Rescue Victoria”) to help match you with a pet you could provide a home to an animal in need.
Photo by Monica Reekie. www.theartofmonicareekie.com.
