CARSTAIRS -- A group of animal lovers in Carstairs has formed Pawsitive Haven Animal Rescue to provide a safe haven for dogs in need. So far the group has rescued 19 dogs and adopted out nine of those.
Ashley Reid, president of the rescue organization, said they've all been very busy already.
"All the dogs have been spayed and neutered, fully vaccinated and had their health exams and been microchipped," said Reid. "It's a lot of work but the dogs are worth it."
Reid said they essentially got started when they got a phone call about two dogs that were tied to a tree in B.C.
"We were told they had no food, no water and no shelter," she said. "The owners were more than happy to surrender them. They came to us with severe frostbite and very thin. They are now happy and healthy thanks to the doctors at the Carstairs vet clinic. It was then that we knew we had to open a rescue."
Reid said the rescue is run out of the back of the Pawsitive Play Lounge, which she and Sheena Forsythe own and operate.
"Sheena and I opened the Pawsitive Play Lounge in December fully well knowing that we had space for rescues and with working at the vet clinic we had our very first rescue before we even opened," she said. "We hired Brooke Axani, our manager, and she has been fostering dogs her whole life. We all have a passion for animals and knew there were so many in need."
The group is currently trying to raise money to get more chain-link kennels in the back half of the building, said Reid.
"We also want to build a fenced-in area outside so they can all play and socialize," she said. "We don't believe that because they are rescues they shouldn't have the same love, attention and fun as our daycare dogs."
Also involved in the rescue group are Bowen Clayton, Hannah McCormick and Jacki Bourassa.
Reid said the group is very grateful to the community, which has been very helpful and supportive.
Anyone interested in helping out can check out their Facebook page or email [email protected].
"We will be doing a bottle drive coming up and trying to fill the cow pens out back," said Reid.
