Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary launches fundraiser to expand, rescues 7 more wolfdogs
A sanctuary and education centre specifically dedicated to wolf-dog hybrids west of Cochrane says it needs help to expand, after accepting seven more animals that have nowhere else to go.
Managers at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary have launched a fundraiser with a target of $90,000. That money will cover the cost to build two enclosures to accommodate the new arrivals. They say the space is desperately needed.
"These wolfdogs are animals that have such little places to go and who knows what would've happened to them if weren't able to take them in," said Alyx Harris, operations manager at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary.
She received the new additions after their previous owner, who lives in northern Alberta, developed health issues and could not continue caring for them.
Harris adds the animals were all in good health and were not mistreated.
Four of the new group are a family unit and have moved into a large enclosure on the sanctuary's central path, displacing other dogs to other parts of the grounds.
"Because we've had to shuffle some animals around, we still very much have the need to build these two (new) enclosures," said Harris.
One enclosure is estimated to cost $33,000, the second one is priced at $55,000.
Vet bills are estimated at $6,300, while transporting the animals and rising food prices are also included in the fundraising target.
The wolfdogs are fed a diet of raw meat, with each animal consuming approximately two to three pounds (0.9 to 1.3 kilograms) each day.
Now with 40 wolfdogs to feed, Harris says it's gotten a lot more expensive, especially when inflation is factored in.
"That gets very costly (for us), especially with how things have been lately, all costs have definitely gone up."
She adds there are few places that can care for a wolfdog's specific needs as the animals do not make good pets in most cases.
Wolfdogs are not likely to wear a collar, walk with a leash, chill on the couch or act as a guard dog.
"They like to be in really big, open spaces," said Harris.
Construction on the first enclosure is expected to begin in July.
Those who wish to help can donate to the campaign, but the group says the price of admission for an educational tour also supports the initiative.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.