Staffers at Old MacDonald Kennels (OMK) in Ponoka County are grateful for local communities' support in terms of donations and financial help, but report that adoptions continue to remain at very low levels.
"I find that in general, people are so willing to help with donations and volunteering - its incredible, the support that we receive," said Martine Huijssoon, owner at Old MacDonald along with her husband William.
The facility is located at 430023 Range Road 235 in Ponoka County.
"People are very generous, but they aren't currently adopting," she said. There are several likely factors for this, including the rising cost of living in general, she said.
"It's so expensive (these days), that to add on an extra pet with the additional costs may just not be in the budget."
Martine noted that the decline in adoptions has been going on for some time now. Not helping matters is that during the pandemic, many took on pet ownership, but when things normalized in terms of regular routines and work schedules, having a pet didn't fit so well anymore.
"There aren't a line-up of homes that want those dogs," she said. "It's not ideal for a puppy to be raised in a shelter setting. It's a temporary solutions, but it shouldn't be a permanent solution for them to live here. I'm finding that now, it almost seems like that (is how it's going). They are having to stay for a long time."
Add to that the responsibilities of pet ownership, and that pets are also not allowed in many housing units, and it all influences the load on shelters in general.
"There are a lot of factors involved," Martine said, adding that adoptions are typically really slow this time of year what with Christmas expenses and such.
"Early spring is usually a better time for us, as people are thinking about having a dog again. And then when it becomes warmer in July, and the kids are off school, it slows down again because people are going on holidays and it's easier to not have pets. Then, it usually picks up again in September and October.
"I don't want to sound all negative, because again, we are grateful for the community support."
Old MacDonald Kennels serves an extensive area, providing animal services for Ponoka, Ponoka County, Camrose, Bashaw, Donalda, Starland County, Stettler County, the Village of Hay Lakes, and Rimbey.
Martine said some of the animals at the shelter have been there since this past March. And some, even longer.
"We take them for walks, and do whatever we can to help keep them happy," she said.
Adding to the pressures is to see dogs like Casper, a recent rescue who sadly had to be put down because of extensive injuries including bullets that were found throughout his body.
He was also dehydrated, had very injured right and hind legs, a bad ear infection, a mouth full of rotten teeth, and enlarged organs.
"I was honestly heartbroken about it," said Martine.
"We saw in the ultrasound all of those bullets. When a dog gets hit by a car it's one thing, but when you purposefully start to shoot a dog, it's such suffering. His heart was enlarged, and there was infection."
Even in these particularly dark cases, Martine and her staff remain determined to keep on helping the animals as much as possible.
She mentioned how walking the dogs is good for both canine and human, and it's also showed her how dogs seem to really live 'in the moment.'
"Even if they have had a terrible day, if you take them out for a walk, they are happy. They are genuinely happy.
"When I was with Casper, finding treats that he liked, he was happy. He was wagging his tail because he was warm - he had been so cold when we found him. So we could learn so much from dogs - they are so loyal. But he had been so neglected. I have to make those awful choices because there was not quality (of life) for him."
Ultimately, she noted those who aren't animal people should refrain from taking on the responsibility.
"If you aren't a pet person, that is fine. Just don't have one."
Today, in addition to animal services, Old MacDonald Kennels also offers pet boarding services in a modern spacious rural facility, dog training, and adoption.
For Martine, her work provides amazing fulfillment, even amidst the challenges.
"You know, I think I have created my life around my job, so it's not just a job. It's a lifestyle. It's what I do first thing in the morning, and what I do last thing at night. Sometimes, the job becomes 'you' and I think I'm at that point! I don't want it any other way - I just love my job.
"If you have a good team that helps you - good, happy people around you, then you can do a lot. It's not just me - it's a team. And sometimes you have to focus on what you have accomplished. Unfortunately we can't do everything for every dog, but we try our best."
For more about Old MacDonald Kennels, check out www.oldmacdonaldkennels.com or call 403-783-7447.
They can also be found on social media platforms.
