Monthly Volunteer Profile: Miina Piir

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 … Continued

5 Reasons Why Volunteering as a WHS Therapy Dog is the Best

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 … Continued

MONTHLY VOLUNTEER PROFILE: TIM & GORDON

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 … Continued

MONTHLY VOLUNTEER PROFILE: LORELLE SELINGER

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 … Continued

The Winnipeg Humane Society Humane Holiday Guide

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 outside after … Continued

WHS Pet Shop’s Ultimate Gift Giving Guide for Furry Friends

‘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. … Continued

MONTHLY VOLUNTEER PROFILE: Brenda Yaworski

Brenda Yaworski may have only started volunteering as a doggy foster parent for the Winnipeg Humane Society last spring, but it that short time she’s gained a tremendous amount of experience. She started off with a Doberman that won over her heart – so much so that Brenda’s family and friends had a pool going to see if her first foster would be a foster fail. That first dog she fostered stayed with Brenda three or four times, so she had him for almost two months. “When they called me the third time, they said ‘You don’t have to take … Continued

WHS Treasure Box

The WHS Treasure Box is back for the third straight year, and it is bigger and better than ever! This year’s box includes a wide variety of local products sourced from some amazing companies. It is a great way to try out some new things and show support to local business here in Manitoba. Check out all of the products here! WHS Treasure Box is a perfect way to treat yourself AND help the animals in our care. There are less than 40 boxes remaining so now is the time to buy before we sell out! Thank you to all … Continued

Pet-tastic Halloween Fun at WHS Pet Shop! 

Halloween is creeping up on us, and as we gear up with costumes and jack-o’-lanterns, it’s the perfect time to get your furry friend in on the spooktacular excitement!  Our WHS Pet Shop has just received fun and festive toys and treats! These goodies aren’t just for your pets – they’re bound to bring a smile to your face too.  Check out our favourite picks:  1.Pumpkin Everything! No tricks here, just treats – pumpkin treats, to be exact! We’ve got a splendid selection of seasonal treats that your cat or dog will absolutely adore. So, sip on your PSL while … Continued

5 Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Dog 

Have you been thinking about welcoming a dog home? Keep shelter dogs in mind!   There are many reasons why a dog may end up in a shelter and it’s typically not because they’re a bad dog. So many dogs in shelters are there due to other life circumstances outside of their control. Whether it’s financial burdens, health issues, moving, or a lifestyle change, these pups deserve a chance to be part of a loving home.   Many people also assume that dogs end up at a shelter or rescue because of behavioural issues. This is simply not the case. Most dogs … Continued