Speaking of Dogs Rescue's Year-End Report‍   Last year was pretty much a rinse and repeat of 2022 in terms of the number of dogs needing rescue intervention and assistance.  Animal shelters were consistently full of unwanted dogs (cats and other pets too, no doubt). Northern indigenous dog groups were desperate for help with their overwhelming homeless dog population. Puppy mills and backyard breeders wanted their ‘inventory’ moved out, and owner relinquishments were unrelenting.    Our volunteer force worked tirelessly to aid, support and/or facilitate the many ‘vulnerable dog’ situations that arose on a regular basis. Adoptions have been slow – very slow, and still are. Dogs need adopters to commit and care for them, however in the current economic climate, people are struggling to make ends meet, to put food on the table, and housing is hard to find and even harder to afford.    Despite these challenges, we’ve been fortunate in other areas of the organization.  We’ve been able to grow our foster base which, in turn, has helped more dogs.  We’ve continued to network and work collaboratively with other rescues which, as the saying goes, “teamwork makes the dream work,” especially when it comes to saving dogs.     Overall, 2023 seemed to have a more positive feel to it; perhaps because we can now meet people and dogs in person. Our spring walkathon did well and we enjoyed seeing the dogs and their humans bonding over a good cause on a sunny Sunday. Our social media has 30K+ followers now and we enjoy posting our dogs, training tips and some humour along the way!   Let’s recap and celebrate some of this past year’s achievements! Into the win column:   In February 2023, we were a sponsor for a spay/neuter clinic in the remote area of Tadoule Lake, Manitoba.  We paid for medical supplies and medications for the surgeries, thanks to our Leg Up program.   The Blackie’s Fund sponsored 37 dogs last year in various ways: supporting Flights for Hope, offering immediate veterinary care to abandoned dogs, and funding costly surgeries and procedures for the medical case dogs we took into our rescue.    Our Forever in Foster (FIF) program cared for over 25 palliative care and special needs dogs last year.  Created in 2005, the FIF program has given hundreds of dogs a loving last chapter, surrounded by a caring, and kind foster family.  All dogs in the program receive prompt, quality healthcare which is funded by the rescue.   In October 2023, we were again a sponsor for a spay/neuter clinic, this time in Moose Lake.  We feel strongly that proactive initiatives like spaying and neutering are urgently needed, and solution based.  We helped pay for surgical staff this round.   We found well-matched homes for over 120 of our 'ADOPT ME' dogs    We’ve increased our newsletter reach and found several wonderful new foster families as a result.  Everyone’s favourite column is ‘Ask the Trainer’ which features a wide variety of topics with helpful advice and tips.   Our annual calendar continues to be popular and is a great holiday fundraiser – designed from start to finish by another incredible volunteer talent   We continue to have amazing supporters; as examples our anonymous Leaf’s hockey ticket donor, and our gifted, artistic quilters!    We'd never be able to help the dogs we have without our incredible team of volunteers, and our partner veterinarians.  Their can-do outlook is why our rescue continues to successfully soldier on year after year.   We remain honoured and privileged to be in a position to make life better for dogs. It’s been our mission for almost 25 years, and we stay committed. ‍ Waiting for over a year to find their best-fit forever families are Reggie and Prince.  Reggie, a 6-year-old Catahoula Leopard Dog mix, is from the 2022 hoarding case we worked on with the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS). He’s really coming along socially and emotionally, thanks to his devoted foster mom.   Prince is a quirky little guy who is a 4-year-old Maltese/poodle mix (who admittedly has a foot fetish).  Read more about shy man Reggie and funny footman Prince on our site at: https://www.speakingofdogs.com/available-dogs/‍‍     In closing, and on behalf of our volunteer Board, thanks to everyone for helping us help dogs. Whether you are an adopter, a donor, a foster parent, a volunteer, or advocate, we value and appreciate your time, support and kindness.   Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling 2024.    Most Sincerely, Lorraine and the Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program Team Registered Charity # 841098791RR0001 www.speakingofdogs.com/donate to receive a 2023 tax receipt