Timber and Tundra have travelled a lot for one year olds.
But despite arriving last week from northern Manitoba, the handsome pair have settled in nicely to their new, temporary Midland-area home and are anxious to greet anyone they meet with a friendly sniff.
The mixed-breed pups were among a group of 25 canine travellers who arrived Monday at the Ontario SPCA’s provincial animal transfer hub just outside of Midland.
While Timber, Tundra and six others adorable dogs are now living at the Midland centre, three adult dogs were relocated to the Barrie animal centre and the remaining 14 puppies went to the organization’s provincial education animal centre in Stouffville.
“They’re held at the transfer centre to get veterinary care and their vaccinations,” explained Robin Elliott, community development coordinator at the Midland centre.
She said the eight young dogs will stay in Midland for two weeks before being transferred to other OSPCA shelters where they’ll be up for adoption.
“I don’t have the number right now. We’re still kind of deciding who’s moving and who’s not,” she said.
Elliott said a lack of access to basic animal wellness services, such as veterinarians and spay/neuter services, has led to uncontrolled growth of dog populations across northern Canada.
“These dogs are cared for and live in the community,” she said, noting they’re not like stray dogs who might be fearful of people.
“They’re beautiful, friendly animals and everything’s kind of new for them. They’re all super sweet.”
Through the Support the North program, the Ontario SPCA and its partners transport animals south to communities where there is a greater demand for adoptable animals.
In a release, OSPCA humane programs and community outreach chief Daryl Vaillancourt said dog overpopulation is an ongoing issue that needs a multi-faceted approach.
“Working with our partners, we are not only finding homes for dogs, but we are also bringing mobile spay/neuter services to underserved areas of the province to create long-term change,” he said.
Since 2015, more than 1,000 animals have been transported to find homes through the Support the North program.
And with the latest group of northern Manitoba dogs eventually going to their forever homes, Elliott encourages anyone interested in adopting to regularly check here to see animals available for adoption.
“Our dog Izzy is from northern Manitoba,” Elliott said, noting the boxer-mix she and her husband adopted last April is a welcome addition to their family.
“She’s goofy and a big snuggler.”
For more ways to get involved in the Support the North program, click here.
