What I Don't Know and What I Do...

By Jim Harvey

My volunteer position at the Winnipeg Humane Society is ‘Dog Kennel Buddy’ which I’ve been doing for about three years now. The position involves working with the dogs that are housed in the back area of the shelter and taking them out into the yards for some exercise, nature calls, and some human contact.

Dogs who come into the shelter find themselves there for all sorts of reasons. Some dogs are found as strays. Others are surrendered because the owners cannot care for the dog. And, of course, some dogs come in after being injured, neglected, or abused.

Whatever the reason that brings a dog into the shelter, I just don’t want to know.

I always assume that when a dog is surrendered to the WHS, it is because something drastically changed for the owner who had to make an agonizing decision with no other choices. Any deviation from that story, I just don’t want to know.

Dogs that are brought in as strays? I don’t want to know what created the circumstances for the dog to become a stray in the first place.

Dogs that come in injured, neglected or abused. Not only do I not want to know what happened or how it happened, I don’t even want to imagine.

Not knowing the reasons of why a dog comes into the shelter is in part a defense mechanism. I know I would find it too upsetting knowing the real reasons and carry that with me for some time. I would rather come into the WHS and keep a positive attitude when I am working with the dogs.

In addition, the past is not going to change. We can only change what is going to happen in the future.

We would all prefer that a dog does not have to come into the WHS, but if a dog does come into the care of the WHS, here is what I do know.

I know that a dog that comes into the WHS is given food, shelter, and a warm place to lay down.

I know that if medical care is required, there are veterinary staff who will take care in its treatment and recovery.

I know that there is a behaviour team that will assess and if necessary work with a dog to give them a better chance at adoption and integration into their forever home.

I know that a dog will receive care, stimulation, and companionship from many volunteers who give their time and energy.

I know that the dog benefits greatly from people who generously give money to help in the dog’s care.

And most importantly, I know that one day, the ultimate goal for the dog will be realized when it moves into its forever home. That happy day will be due to the countless people who have helped the dog, starting the very first minute it came into the WHS to the moment it walks out the door on its way for a bright new future.