Dogs 'not surviving the night': Group seeks donations to build insulated shelters in northern Manitoba

A group of animal welfare activists are asking for help togive dogs in northern Manitoba communities a warm place to sleep.

JanelleMcLeodis collecting cash donations and supplies to build sheltersfor dogs who are dying from the cold through an initiative she's calling the Warming Hearts Project, a collaboration with doghouse makers Shadow's Mission.

"Puppies, even though they may have shelter or adult dogs that are injured, or have short fur are not surviving the night in these cold temperatures," saidMcLeod.

SherunsPartners in Paws, which provides dog training and play groups,and has been volunteering in animal rescue for 10 years.

She said the group wants to build heaters for doghouses that usea 40-watt light bulb, which can generate enough heat to keep a dog alive through the night.

The shelters will then be transported to Norway House Cree Nation andSagkeengFirst Nation.

'Communities trying hard to protect them'

"There are thousands of dogs that are still homeless in northern communities all across Manitoba, and the communities are trying really hard to protect them,"McLeodsaid.

"This is just my little way to try and help a situation that, to me, just is dire and should not be happening.[As I'm lying in bed] I'm thinking of how many dogs are now shivering and are going to die,"McLeodsaid.

DebraVandekerkhoveof Norway House Animal Rescue says heated doghouses can also help prevent the spread of disease and infection.

Often the dogs that are coming into animal services care haven't had any veterinarian work, and they may have internal orexternal parasites, or diseases.

"A lot of our volunteers up north are bringing their dogs into their houses, " Vandekerkhovesaid.

"It could potentially affect their house, where their home is shut down. If the dog hasparvovirus, we cannot have any more animals in care that are unvaccinated in their home."

The animal rescue group has been trying to keep a number of shelters operating for dogs coming into care in both Norway House and Cross Lake, though a lack of supplies has made the job difficult.

"We don't have a lot of resources up in some of the northern communities, like hardware stores that have supplies like insulation and wood to be able to make doghouses," she said.

LloydCamireof Shadow's Mission, which partnered withMcLeodfor the Warming Hearts Project, is a retiree who makes the heated doghouses.

He said a bare-bones doghouse costs about $50 in supplies, though he can often find salvaged wood. He also uses a linoleum floor, so the shelter can be easily cleaned out, and from there the structure is packed with hay to keep it warm.

McLeodsays if people are looking to donate, they can bring money or new or used materials to adonation drive at the Partners in Paws play group,Sundayfrom 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Sunday play group will be atSprockett'sDoggy Day Camp at 975 Thomas Ave. in Winnipeg.

The Warming Hearts Project will be collecting donations until Feb. 3.

Supplies needed

If you're looking to donate, the Warming Hearts Project is accepting cash donations, or new or used materials. In particular, the group needs:

• 3/8th to-inch plywood.
• 2x4 or 2x3 construction wood.
• 8x1-inch screws.
• 1x8-foot ridged insulation.
• Plastic house wrap.
• Polyplastic.
• Shingles.
• Electric octagon boxes.
• Outdoor extension cords.
• Bx cables.
• Nylon cables.
• Male plugs.
• Plastic light fixtures.
• 40-watt light bulbs.
• Old metal paintcans.