“Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, we shall be saved.”
Last Saturday, Sept. 19, Flin Flon, Creighton and Area SPCA president Erica Husberg shared these words from British anthropologist and animal welfare advocate Jane Goodall.
Husberg was addressing a crowd that had come out to celebrate the third anniversary of the community’s animal shelter, and the official opening of a new fenced-in dog park for the shelter’s canine residents.
Rob Winton, vice-president Manitoba Business Unit, Hudbay, and Jane Robillard, chair of the board for Northern Neighbours Foundation, joined SPCA manager Carmen Ward in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the new park.
At nearly 2,000 square feet, the dog park is an inviting playground for canines, with plenty of space for running and chasing, tall trees for shade, interactive toys and even some kiddie pools where dogs can cool off.
“This has been a dream since the opening of the shelter,” said Husberg. “The dogs that come into our care now will have the freedom to run, play, and bask in the sun.”
The park, along with a fenced off area at the rear exit of the shelter, was completed in late June. Grants from Hudbay and Northern Neighbours, along with community donations, covered the cost of the $20,000 project.
A community dog walk in the sunshine followed the ribbon-cutting, with about 15 local dogs and their families joining in a loop through the Creekside area.
Afterwards, the walkers enjoyed a barbecue lunch donated by Hudbay, and dogs munched on treats handed out by young pet-lover Kiera Ward.
The dog park saw lots of activity as well: Carmen Ward invited the visiting canines to romp around in the park for the afternoon. The area is usually closed to the public.
Husberg says future plans for the SPCA include the construction of an isolation room for dogs with contagious illnesses, and a cat gazebo where the shelter’s numerous felines can enjoy fresh air.
