Local animal rescue Paws and Claws have noticed things have started to slow down since the onset of the pandemic.

“Adoptions have I would say slowed down a bit. There has been a lot of dogs coming into the area so supply and demand wise it has slowed down at this point. People are supporting in every way they can.

[Donations have] slowed down a bit because everybody has been affected in pretty much every element of their life,” said rescue worker, Mackenzie Deboon.

The warmer spring weather often is a busy time for the rescue with the arrival of new puppies and kittens. It seems that this spring is now different.

“I totaled it up yesterday and we had 186 in care currently with two or three pregnant dogs. Kitten season hasn't quite hit us yet, but it is right around the corner,” said Deboon.

The arrival of young animals means a few more added costs to the rescue but Deboon says the rescue uses the majority of their donations to help cover veterinary costs which can become quite substantial. However, the organization looks forward to hosting a fundraising event called ‘Pawparazzi’ in collaboration with Fetch Haus in Red Deer.

“This is an idea that they came up with to kind of get people out of the house and get them out with their animals and interacting in safe, COVID-friendly ways to raise some money for rescue animals at the same time,” explained Deboon.

For a $20 entry fee, you can register with Fetch Haus and compete in a challenge at various local locations in Red Deer. Participants will be tasked with snapping pictures of their pet with the hashtag #pawparazzi2021 for a chance to win some prizes. The money will go towards helping out the rescue.

“Honestly, it's going to go towards vet bills. We pay anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 a month in vet bills. So, that's where majority of our funds go,” said Deboon.

Although things have been a little tougher for the rescue, she says people continue to support the rescue even when things are difficult for just about anyone.

“It is a little bit more of a struggle. I think for everybody to get donations, but people have huge hearts for animals, so they're definitely still doing everything they can,” said Deboon.

 

All photos provided by Paws and Claws Animal Rescue.