Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1511425
22 Manitoba By Lindsey Ward T he Winnipeg Humane Society has been meeting the needs of our less fortunate animal friends for 129 years — and those needs are constantly changing. A gift to the WHS can go towards count- less evolving causes within the organi- zation, explains Lesley Lewis, director of donor relations. "A lot of people look at us as just adop- tions, but it's a small part of what we do," Lewis says. "We're busy with adoptions, for sure, but we do so much more." While the WHS has an average of 220 animals in its shelter every day in addition to hundreds of animals in foster care, the non-profit charity's operating costs are largely attributed to its clinic. The fully functioning animal hospital costs $2.2 mil- lion annually to stay afloat so its vulnerable patients can get the care they need — be it a spay or neuter, routine vaccinations, dental extractions or more serious surger- ies. "We have to get the animals happy and healthy or we can't do anything else," Lewis says. Another crucial service the WHS has recently grown thanks to donors is their di- version programming, which helps provide pet food, veterinary services, training and even animal behaviour tips via a hotline to pet owners who are struggling financially. The goal? To keep pets with their families, where they belong. "When people hit hard times, unfortu- nately they make that decision that they can't keep their family pet, so they come to us to take care of them," Lewis says. "But we really want to keep that animal with their family." Spay and neuter clinics in northern Manitoba and inner-city communities, food for troubled farm animals in rural areas and training for therapy dogs who provide mental health support in the community are among the other unique causes WHS donor dollars are going towards these days. "The great thing is, we're always the first organization people think of when their an- imal is in need, and that's exactly what we want," Lewis says. "And then we just have to figure out the best way to help them." Meanwhile, they've also figured out some innovative ways to bring in dona- tions. Those who want to show fur friends some love can purchase items from the at WHS Donations improve animals' lives WINNIPEG HUMANE SOCIETY Photo by Darcy Finley