June 2022 Monthly Volunteer Profile: Wilfred Japit

If you ask Winnipeg Humane Society volunteer rabbit wrangler Wilfred Japit, taking care of and socializing bunnies was almost pre-ordained. “For me, it’s kind of an affinity. In the Chinese zodiac, I’m a rabbit,” he explained. “So, when I first applied to volunteer, I saw there was an opening for bunnies so that’s what I chose. I would’ve liked cats or dogs too. I like all animals.” Wilfred began volunteering in 2018 and has always been a been a rabbit wrangler. “I came to Canada in 2017 and I was looking for something to fill a gap in my life,” … Continued

May 2022 Monthly Volunteer Profile: Marlene Puls

When Marlene Puls retired in 2010, she told herself she wanted to do two things: volunteer at the Winnipeg Humane Society and learn a second language. She’s aced her commitment to the WHS, but the Italian can be best described as a work in progress. In addition to her weekly shift with the Behaviour Cat team, Marlene is a regular fixture at most Winnipeg Humane Society events, helping out wherever she can lend a hand. And she’s also a monthly donor. “I chose the Humane Society because I like animals. I have cats and have had cats since 1982,” she … Continued

April 2022 Volunteer Profile: Glen Dawkins

When Glen Dawkins began volunteer dog walking with the Winnipeg Humane Society in February of 2014, he saw it as something that would help him get ready for retirement. More than eight years later, Glen still works at the Winnipeg Sun (but the volunteering has become more than what he initially thought). “I grew up with dogs and this was something I always wanted to do,” he said. “One day I said ‘let’s just do it.’ It was going to be a post-retirement thing, but I figured I might as well get started. No better time than the present. “The … Continued

March 2022 Volunteer Profile: Lynda Buckmaster

Fostering animals has become a family affair of sorts for Winnipeg Humane Society volunteer Lynda Buckmaster. Lynda does most of the day-to-day work with the kittens, her husband Bob is there to snuggle and cuddle the little ones. And Lynda and Bob, their daughter and two sons have adopted many of the animals Lynda has brought home to care for. A self-proclaimed ‘cat lady,’ Lynda has been fostering for seven years. Her first two years she worked on her own before joining the WHS five years ago. Lynda retired in 2011, kept herself busy for a few years before deciding … Continued

February 2022 Volunteer Profile: Patty Ruffeski

Patty Ruffeski has been a fixture at various Winnipeg Humane Society special events for several years, and perhaps best known for taking part in successive Paws in Motion fundraisers, accompanied by her Pug/Boston Terrier cross, Winston. Patty’s had a long volunteer career with several animal welfare organizations. “I volunteered with a pug rescue for nine years and then when Winston was two we got Ringo, my other dog (a Pug/Miniature Pinscher cross)” she explained. “He passed away late in 2013. Shortly after that, in February 2014 I started volunteering at the WHS to remember Ringo, as a tribute to him. … Continued

January 2022 Volunteer Profile: Nancy King

When Nancy King retired, one could presume that taking in and fostering puppies for the Winnipeg Humane Society came somewhat naturally for her. You see, she’d spent 30+ years working at Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg – and much of that time was spent in the zoo nursery, Aunt Sally’s Farm and the Kinsmen Discovery Centre, all of which provided her with lots of interaction with young animals. But not the types of animals most of us would associate with having in your house. She began fostering for the WHS in February 2011. Since then, she’s fostered 143 puppies, including … Continued

#WHSTips for Pet Dental Health

An animal’s mouth is not much different than a person’s; they require regular upkeep to prevent problems from occurring further down the road. Animals tend to act stoic and try not to show that they’re in pain, so it’s up for us as pet owners to stay on top of our pet’s well-being. Check out these tips for optimal pet dental health: Look for the signs! A healthy mouth should be: free of odor, have healthy white teeth pink gums. If you notice that your cat or dog has bad breath, red gums, is excessively drooling or having issues chewing … Continued

2021 December MVP: Angela Morelli

Many Winnipeg Humane Society volunteers may not know Angela Morelli, but one way or another, we’ve all seen her work. Since early 2020, Angela has been behind the scenes as an administrative support for Volunteer Services. Her duties are varied, depending upon the work that needs to be done on any given day. “I assist Kelle Greene and Amy Brake with admin duties,” Angela said. “Some days it might be mostly scanning and uploading. Other days I may need to also make the volunteers’ name tags.” But Angela has played a big role in turning Volunteer Services into a paperless … Continued

2021 November MVP: Cam and Claudia Verwey

When PhD student Cam Verwey needed volunteer hours to get his professional designation, the chance to volunteer alongside his wife Claudia and help animals at the Winnipeg Humane Society was the ‘cat’s meow,’ so to speak. “I’m a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering,” Cam explained. “As registration for becoming a professional engineer, there’s a volunteer requirement. To make up those hours, we thought right away about the Winnipeg Humane Society. We knew they always need volunteers and we’ve always loved animals.” Claudia added that the opportunity to spend more time together and help animals was a bonus. “Cam wanted me … Continued

2021 October MVP: David Ward

Three years ago David Ward brought his life-long love of working with animals to the Winnipeg Humane Society, a relationship that’s brought a great deal of joy to people, both young and old. A retired Conservation Officer with the Manitoba government, David spent his career in offices throughout the province, working with hunters and with wildlife. “I always liked working with creatures,” he said with a smile. And at home David’s had his share of animals: “We’ve had lots of cats over the years. And we’ve had dogs going back to the 1970s,” he explained. When he became a Winnipeg … Continued