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Archive for the ‘dogs in Canada’s north’ Category

‘FOR THE LOVE OF LOKI’ fund raising Campaign, his freedom MUST end and his FUTURE secured

Posted in ALERTS, dogs in Canada's north, Fate of Sled Dogs, Help Needed, LOKI, LOKI : fact not fiction, tagged , , on May 17, 2013 | 1 Comment »

FOR THE LOVE OF LOKI 2.jpegThe end to LOKI’s freedom is drawing close and funds are needed to purchase the needed dog run and to cover the initial veterinary costs for his vaccinations and eventual neutering.

The logistics of his capture have yet to be figured out as there is no resident vet in Hay River, and I am unsure if tranquilizer gun is even available here.

Due to my continued work with him, and out of respect for and a sympathetic gesture, I was immediately contacted with the news that he must be removed from the streets.  I of course will take him here to my home, to care and give him a loving home for the rest of his days.  If I do not do this then the Town Officials will step in and likely LOKI will not survive.

Donations can be made by e- transfer or mail.  An account has been set up for Loki at:

Royal Bank of Canada,

77 Woodland Drive,

Hay River, NT X0E 1G1

RBC clients may do an online transfer or at their own branch.  Other banking institutions can do e-transfers directly to the Account set up for Loki.  A confirmation # will be provided to all donors when the e-transfer has gone through to his account.

Clients of other institutions may also do transfers at their own institution or send a check or money order, but it will have to be made payable to Bonnie Dawson (For the Love of Loki) and mailed to the above bank address.

To obtain the Bank #, Transit and Account # for transfers please email me at bc_dawson@hotmail.com

or message me here through a comment and I can then email you directly with the needed account information.

 

I have set it up through the bank rather than through PayPal as I feel this affords more credibility and will lend itself to a paper trail.

I am appealing to the followers and lovers of LOKI to be his Angels and to ensure his continued safety and care.

With deepest thanks,

LOKI and I.

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LOKI SOLE SURVIVOR – UPDATE APRIL 5 2012

Posted in Animal Wellness, Commitment, dogs in Canada's north, Fate of Sled Dogs, LOKI, LOKI : fact not fiction, Wildlife Protection, tagged on April 5, 2012 | 1 Comment »

It appears that Ole Man Winter is not yet done with us yet.  Alberta was getting hammered yesterday and of course the NT had it’s own fair share of heavy snow…so much so that visibility was minimal at best.  One cannot complain however, given the horrific devastation other areas around the world have faced, severe tornadoes in the Southern U.S., hurricanes and the like.  We are fortunate this far North.

The last few days have been balmy believe it or not, plus temperatures saw a melting snow, making it much easier to get to LOKI.  Snow is deeper now, but has not affected my determination to make sure he is well fed and safe.

Yesterday saw heavy snowfall, the white fluffy stuff, that is fun to roll around in…and LOKI and I did just that.  I continue to be in awe of his gentle and playful nature, his inherent curiosity and the trust we share together.  I had brought him out a blanket (which he has taken in the past) and he delighted in his attempts to pull it out from under me as I lay horizontal across it.  In the end, he did trot off with one of my handmade hats.

  These photos were taken yesterday during the snow storm.  Despite the storm it was actually a beautiful and pleasant day, if one is dressed for it.

I found LOKI quite relaxed surveying his domain…aware of the swirling flakes around him, yet seemingly unconcerned.

April 4th is also the 8th anniversary of my father’s passing, and I must wonder what my father would think of his daughter today…going out in all manner of weather, slipping, sliding and often falling awkwardly in order to spend time with a beautiful feral wolf hybrid in the middle of the Boreal Forest of the NT.    I doubt he would laugh, I know he would not criticize…he bore witness to my lifelong dedication and commitment to all animals and stood by me, regardless to the numbers and species that I would rescue and bring home to care for.

I know in my heart that my father would be amazed and likely proud….he would also marvel at the relationship and trust that has been built between LOKI and I.  He would consider LOKI to be the gentle spirit that I see in him, and he too would continue to admire his will to survive.

  Having spent time with him early yesterday afternoon, I was delighted when I went out to top up my bird feeders, and turned around to see LOKI portraying himself as King of the Hill on the large mound of snow piled up from my driveway.  Once again we were given the time together that is is very precious.  Later in the evening he returned and of course was served a warm meal and fresh water.

Just a half hour ago, he again gifted me with his presence here at my home, and having trotted off with a large piece of fresh meat, I prepared his plate and crossed the snow laden small bridge to meet up with him in his domain.  How did he know?  But he did, that I would follow him…he sat patiently watching and waiting as I crawled up the side of the deeply snow covered ravine.

LOKI has become, is an integral part of my life.  He has taught me so much about who I am, he has touched my inner soul and awakened that spirit within that I embraced as a child.  LOKI has also touched the hearts of so many around the world, complete strangers that continue to marvel and to care about his survival.  He has brought to me new friends, around the globe, that I will never meet in person.  One such friend is Sharon who despite the distance between us, cared enough to mail to me a treasure…a St. Francis medal which I continue to wear faithfully.  St. Francis is the Patron Saint of Animals.

Prior to moving to the North, from Ontario, I had developed an affinity to wolves, seeing in them the true spirit of freedom.  In studying First Nations beliefs and traditions, as well as various other cultural traditional beliefs,  I learned about the spirit, and what each animal represented culturally.  I learned about what is termed ‘Familiars’ those animals that come to one in dreams, that guide us.

  Little did I know that over twenty years later, the wolf that came to me in my dreams, and whom I then called LOKI, would be an important part of my life today.  Dreams are said to reveal the soul, and the journeys that the wolf of my dreams and I shared remain with me vividly today.  I do not believe in co-incidence, therefore I cannot believe that the beautiful Pewter wolf head that I wear today, purchased as a gift to me from my mother prior to leaving Ontario to head North, is a co-incidence.  Friends have told me that it was my destiny to make the journey to the North, leaving the comforts of an established career and lifestyle far behind me.  That it was meant to be, that I should be here, that I would fight for the rights of animals and see the new NT Dog Act legislated.  Perhaps they are right…..I do know that it took crossing provincial borders and facing a great deal of change to bring me to this place, this time…and to bring LOKI and I together.

I shall be eternally grateful for this amazing gift.

   

The Pact of Fire – A Lakota Sioux Legend

http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/about/

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Actions Speak Louder than Words

Posted in ALERTS, Animal Wellness, ANIMALS IN RESEARCH, Change Cdn Federal Legislation, Commitment, DOG FIGHTING - THE VICTIMS, dogs in Canada's north, Factory Farm Animals, Fate of Sled Dogs, LOKI, LOKI : fact not fiction, OSPCA (Ontario SPCA), PUPPY MILLS - INDUSTRY OF GREED, Recognizing Animal Cruelty, seal hunt, Shelter Animals, Toughen Municipal and Provincial Animal Protection Legislation, United States - Action Needed, Wildhorses of America, Zoos and Aquariums, tagged , , , , , , , on February 26, 2012 | 1 Comment »

       How does that saying go? 

“Talk is Cheap”.

       Well for at least one Province int this country, Action Speaks Louder than words!!!!

We are all aware of the horrific brutality inflicted on the 100 sled dogs in Whistler, B.C.  These dogs, faithful money making servants were summarily shot and in some cases had their throats brutally slashed.  Why, because the economy had taken a decline and the owner and operator of this particular business felt the animals were of no more use.  This case only came to light when the individual who did not say NO when told by the owner to kill these beautiful faithful dogs, applied to Workers Compensation claiming he was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

        The province of British Columbia stepped up, and toughened their Animal Protection Laws.

Koodoos.

        Now for the second year in a row, B.C. has approved and made this Proclamation in honor of those 100 Whistler dogs.

WHEREAS The Province of British Columbia recognizes that the health, safety and well being of all animals is vital, and
WHEREAS The Province of British Columbia leads the country with the toughest penalties for anyone proven responsible for harming an animal, and
WHEREAS The Province of British Columbia believes that the prevention of cruelty to animals is a matter of humanity and not just a matter of legislation, and
WHEREAS by working together and sharing information on how to prevent, recognize, and report signs of animal abuse, we can help protect all animals from abuse and neglect, and
WHEREAS Our Lieutenant Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council, has been pleased to enact Order in Council 903 on October 11, 2002;
NOW KNOW YE THAT we do by these presents proclaim and declare that April 23, 2012 shall be known as
“ANIMAL ABUSE PREVENTION DAY”
(in honour of the lost lives of 100 sled dogs on April 23, 2010)
in the Province of British Columbia.
The Municipality of Wood Buffalo in Alberta has also Stepped UP and have made their own Proclamation: double click picture to enlarge for easier reading.

Having fought so hard myself for over three years for animal protection laws within the NWT, there remains a great deal yet to be done.  The new NWT Dog Act contains a potentially deadly loophole which MLA and now Minister David Ramsay is quoted as describing “big enough to drive a truck through”.  The new NWT Dog Act pertains solely to dogs period and does not protect any other domestic pet. Not the Comprehensive Animal Protection Act that I fought so hard for.  It must be noted that the motion did pass in the Legislative Assembly that the Territorial Government is to keep working forward to enact Comprehensive Animal Protection which already exists across the rest of Canada.

A number of years ago, due to a horrific incident involving many dogs in the Yukon, the Yukon chose to strengthen their own Animal Protection Legislation.  Now with the news that a well known Yukon Musher is planning to ACT in a proactive manner to toughen protection of Sled Dogs in the Yukon, it is evident that perhaps the new Yukon Legislation of a few years ago was not strong enough.

Mr. Frank Tuner was interviewed : sleddogcentral.com/interviews/turr

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2012/02/22/north-sled-dog-legislation.html

 Obviously Mr. Turner also believes that

Actions Speak Louder than Words.

Clearly animal cruelty is and will remain an International focus, on so many levels one cannot even fathom.  Every second of every single day, an animal is being horrifically neglected, abused and exploited at the hands of a human.  Says a lot about the human species does it not?  From the starving neglected dogs left on chains, animals tortured and butchered for the sheer sick pleasure that some even sicker individual gets out of inflicting such pain, to the dog fighting rings that provide an illegal income to the cruel and greedy, the puppy and kitten mills run by the totally insensitive mass breeders, to those breeders whose sole goal is to make money from research companies, to the Factory Farm Animals, Battery Hens and roadside zoos that fail to provide proper care and the necessities of life to the animals that they derive income from.

The list goes on and on.  I will not even cite other instances such as those that take place in China or on the frozen coasts of Canada.

A challenge to the rest of Canada, to the remaining Provinces and Territories across this vast and magnificent land is being made right now.

Follow the lead of British Columbia!!! 

Put forward your own Provincial and Territorial Proclamation in honor and memory of the thousands of animals brutalized every day,

the thousands of animals that die in shelters because they have been discarded by others!!!!

In honor of the innocent lives taken because existing Municipal, Provincial and Federal Legislation is not

tough enough, does not do enough to end the suffering and to bring those responsible to Justice.

Pictures received from the Beaufort Delta Regional SPCA in Inuvik, NT.  No charges laid, no animals survived.

Picture of dead pup submitted by a resident of Hay River, NT.  Decaying body was found by the river in Town.

     It is Time!!!

Zero Tolerance to Animal Cruelty across Every Municipality, Every Province, Every Territory in Canada!!!

Actions Speak Louder than Words!!!

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Home is Where the Heart Is and for me and these beautiful animals my door will always remain open

Posted in Commitment, dogs in Canada's north, Food for thought, LOKI, LOKI : fact not fiction, tagged , , on December 24, 2011 | 1 Comment »

The phrase “Home is Where the Heart Is” could not be truer for Animal Lovers and Rescuers around the World.  We are a rare breed, willing to sacrifice so much to help any animal in need.  Our only reward is knowing that if even one animal is rescued, saved and given a new forever loving home, we have indeed made a real difference.  With so many animals, abandoned, forgotten and discarded  our daunting task never ends.

All of you who have followed my work with LOKI know just how rewarding this can be.  While still not inside my home, my hope remains…yet I must also respect his desire to remain as he is, allowing our time together to be on his terms.  He is truly a free spirit and in that I admire him greatly.  Trusting me enough after 14 months, to finally take treats from my bare hand, for him is a major step.

I have received so many gifts, unknown to LOKI, that he has given me.  From the quiet times together hidden from prying eyes, to his playful woofs and dances when we are together.  Seeing him come on the run to me as I walk silently under clear skies, witnessing him flipping that chew stick high in the air with delight, rolling in the snow or just laying silently beside me, our eyes meeting and silent messages exchanged, his gifts have been many.  I have witnessed his quiet strength and his will to survive, watched his power and beauty as he races full tilt across the ravine, and he instills within me such an amazement that I remain awestruck for days.  The memories we have created and shared will last my lifetime.

Another gift LOKI has given to me, are the many friends of his that I have made.  My home has become a “Doggy” Drop In Center.  I never know which of his pals will show up on my deck or what time they will arrive.  All are most welcome and all are brought inside my home for belly rubs and treats.  Sometimes they arrive on their own, other times along with LOKI, who will lay patiently in my driveway as I allow his buddy inside.  After many hugs to his pal, I then venture outside to be with him.  Our quiet time together while his friend enjoys my couch.

“Home is Where the Heart Is” and for me and these beautiful animals my door will always remain open.

I hope you enjoy these latest pictures of some of LOKI’s friends.

Sarg

Fiddle and Sarg arrive together

It is always a delight when Fiddle comes for a visit.

Fiddle makes herself completely at home

  Yes, my door is always open, it always has been, it always will be.

   All are welcome, all are loved.

    I am honoured by their company and truly blessed to share their love.

Thank You LOKI, You have wonderful friends.

http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/10/16/an-amazing-weekend-with-loki-meet-two-of-his-newest-friends/

    

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A “Day in the Life Of” LOKI and one crazy but dedicated Lady north of 60.

Posted in Commitment, dogs in Canada's north, Legends of the far north, LOKI, LOKI : fact not fiction, tagged , , , , on December 10, 2011 | 4 Comments »

A Winters Day with LOKI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5ft9DBT4bY

Well ole Man Winter is upon us, not much we can do about it, other than to bundle up and enjoy.

Nights are much longer now, daylight is at a premium, winds sound like freight trains and chill you to the bone.  Unlike the rest of Canada, Northern winters last from October through to May, if one is lucky and Spring thaw comes early.  Remarkably though the skies remain a beautiful shade of blue for the most part, and of course the dance of the Northern Lights is amazing.  Skies are clear and the moon and stars magnificent, reflecting off the pristine white snow, illuminating everything  to be seen. 

Sunrise comes late but is spectacular, as is sunset 

and at times we are treated with the Sun Dogs, a northern phenomenon.

 

Time spent with LOKI during winter is hard on both of us.  I had hoped to have him in by now, but this independent fellow continues to live by his own fashion, paying me visits, bringing along his many buddies and enjoying the life of the free spirit.

This video was taken on November 18, 2011, there are two more videos of this day yet to be uploaded.

A Winters Day with LOKI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5ft9DBT4bY

LOKI had been by for breakfast, then returned for his dinner mid afternoon.  Ironically later in the day he again returned, but chose to dash across the ravine and insisted I follow…which I did, waist deep in snow to get there.  He was waiting at the top of the hill for me, silently observing my slipping and sliding to reach him and once I had joined him he delighted in playing ‘let’s just jump around in the snow’…of course how could I not join in the fun.  Playful woofs, darting back and forth, leaping into the deepest snow drifts he could find and burying his face in the snow and rolling was all part of the games….I chose not to bury my face in the snow, but certainly enjoyed mimicking him the other ways.  From his reaction it was clear he was delighted.

After 45 minutes of this, I could no longer feel my hands again, so decided it best to cross the ravine and seek the warmth inside.  Not to be undone, LOKI raced past me, at which point I lost my footing and buried my face in the snow…man that cold hurts on exposed skin.

Waiting for me at home, he sat patiently, the look on his face, appearing to be devilish delight that I too was now covered in snow…all I could do was laugh and continue brushing ice crystals from my cheeks, dig snow out of my coat collar and shiver.

We were soon joined by “Fiddle” and LOKI’s cohort “Mr. Raven” 

Hope you enjoy the video and new pictures.

For those who are interested in the Rescued Loon: video taken before she headed to Edmonton.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lin3MIY-uQk

http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/wildlife-rescue-is-not-always-a-success-story-no-matter-how-hard-you-try/

 

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Update on LOKI – November 2011 – remember the frigid temps…protect your pets

Posted in Commitment, dogs in Canada's north, LOKI, LOKI : fact not fiction, Recognizing Animal Cruelty, tagged , , , , , , , on November 27, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Well old man winter is upon us, lots of snow, high winds and frigid temperatures.  It is blowing strong as I write this, I can hear the wind howling outside my window.  How anything survives up here is beyond me.  Song birds, fragile finches….I must remember to top up my feeders and clear away the snow from them again today.

LOKI was here last night for a hearty warm dinner.

Of course “Fiddle” was in tow:

  She is such a sweet girl, loves belly rubs and of course treats.  While LOKI ate, Fiddle and I laid in the snow and cuddled. It was actually quite a nice evening.  Quiet and surreal.

It is very important that LOKI gets his meals at least twice a day if not more.  The process of digesting food produces body heat, good nutrition also maintains a thick healthy coat and body mass, all of which are needed especially during these cold long winter months.  Fresh water is also needed, eting snow will dehydrate an animal just as it will a human.

Loki is lucky, with his dense undercoat and long guard hairs, he has insulation against the extreme cold, but even with all of that I have watched him lift his paws, his feet being cold, the soft foot pads can easily freeze and ice can build up between the pads and toes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One must also remember that short haired dogs cannot be left out for long in this frigid weather, even if they have a doghouse.  Insulated shelters are of course the best.  Ears, tails, noses, feet can all freeze..we all know the severe pain when our fingers and toes start to freeze up…imagine what the dog feels. Severe frostbite can result in the loss of ear tips, tail and even a limp, gangrene can set in resulting in the need for amputation.  Hemi for example loves to be outside but not for long.  His coat is short and dense and he does have undercoat, but his feet freeze up quickly and his ears do not have the thick hair needed to withstand these temps.

Philly, while he looks as if he has a thick coat he actually has no undercoat.  It is his top coat (guard hair) that is curly and gives the appearance of thickness.  He cannot tolerate the cold nor hot days.

Cats too, should not be left outside for long. Personally none of my cats are allowed outside period and are perfectly happy about it.  Luna has a really long thick coat which would easily cake with ice.  She would also be exposed to many air born diseases that cats can get outside as well as internal parasites if she were hunting mice and birds.  Keeping your cat indoors ensures health and a long life, also protection from predators.

Rule of thumb…if your skin will freeze in seconds….if it is too cold for you to be out there…then it is too cold for your pet to be out there!!!

 

 

 

 

I will continue to keep an ever watchful eye on LOKI, ensuring he gets as much warm food as he wants, no matter what the weather or the temperature.  If I must look for him out there I will, he sometimes does not always come to the backyard, so putting on my snow suit and bundling up is all part of it.  He is very special and will continue to get a fighting chance as long as I am alive.  My hopes to have him decide to join my family are still alive and well.

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Death for ‘Olive’ 6 to 8 week old puppy found in Yellowknife dumpster

Posted in ALERTS, Animal Wellness, Commitment, dogs in Canada's north, Fate of Sled Dogs, Legends of the far north, LOKI, LOKI : fact not fiction, Recognizing Animal Cruelty, Recovery, Rescue, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 12, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

YELLOWKNIFER: Wednesday November 9, 2011

Feature News

“Puppy dies after being left in garbage bin”

Excerpt:  Northern News Services: by Laura Busch

“ A dying puppy found in a garbage bin outside of a downtown bar last week was euthanized Monday evening at Great Slave Animal Hospital.”

Named Olive, this 8 to 10 week old female husky cross was found near death, after being found “curled up in the corner (of the garbage).”  The pups whimpers were heard outside the Raven Pub located in Yellowknife and a passerby came to her rescue.

Veterinary Assistant Jenna McCrendle stated that it was possible that Olive had also suffered internal damage from some form of physical trauma, possibly a kick or other trauma.  Olive was unable to ingest food or water and was incapable of moving on her own.

Olive who was seriously anemic met a humane death Monday, due only to the fact that Chris Blais took her to the GSAH. It had been a freind of Chris’s who had found the pup and Chris upon seeing her took her himself to the hospital.   Had this young man not taken this action, Olive’s suffering would have continued. Special thanks must also go to Chris’s friend who found the pup and took her home with him.

A second pup was also turned in to the GSAH on Friday and was suffering from a “large abscess on his lower jaw”.  “Teddy Ruxpin” as he was named, has been treated, is doing well and is now  ready for adoption.

Puppies, dogs, cats and kittens across the NWT continue to be neglected, discarded, thrown out in the trash despite the new NWT Dog Act which came into effect Spring 2011.  The new Dog Act is supposed to protect Dogs Only….obviously legislation is not worth the paper it is written on when incidents such as this continue to happen.  There is no protection whatsoever for felines or any other neglected pet in the NWT.  A Comprehensive Animal Protection Act, one which I have been fighting for over three years now, MUST be implemented.  Named ‘Best Place to Abuse Animals’ by the Animal Legal Defense Fund for three consecutive years, this recent incident of “Olive” and “Teddy Ruxpin” reinforces this dubious distinction.

http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/a-dubious-distinction-given-to-the-northwest-territories-and-nunavut-in-may-2009-and-once-again-in-2010/

Today, it is, with windchill -20 celcius which translates into -52 farenheit.  Knowing that there are likely many more discarded pups, dogs, cats and kittens ‘out there’ left to freeze and starve to death not only breaks my own heart, but it breaks the heart and enrages anyone who actually has a conscience.

Out of the three major cases of Animal Cruelty in the NT during 2010 – 2011 there has only been two successful prosecutions made in the NWT , both of which were in Yellowknife this past Spring.   Well known  Yellowknife musician Lloyd Thrasher received a jail term for the stabbing death of “Garlic” the tiny Chinese Pug which he stole out of Vanessa Baron’s vehicle: http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/06/02/garlic-the-chinese-pug-brutally-stabbed-in-yellowknife-nt-january-2011-gets-some-form-of-justice/   and the second case involved “Yuki”, the sole surviving puppy rescued when RCMP were called to investigate a mother dog who had just given birth to puppies was reported dead with her pups in a yard.  Mother and pups were found frozen to death.  The mother had been pushed out into sub-zero temperatures by her owner when she went into labor.  “Yuki” did survive but suffered frostbite and lost part of her tiny nose.  Additional dogs were found  on very short chains and in a neglected state:

http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/01/20/sole-surviving-wha-ti-puppy-an-public-hearings-on-nt-dog-act/

The third case brought before the courts and which took over a year to finally go to trial was the Hobson case involving 109 dogs, in Hay River,  three of which were immediately humanely euthanized by attending veterinarians from Alberta who participated in the property raid on May 29, 2010.  Five charges were laid in this case.

Twenty-three pups were seized and taken to the Municipally owned Hay River Animal Shelter where volunteers cared for them for two and a half months.  The other 83 dogs were left on the property of the accused in the care of the accused and it was publically stated that Municipal officials would be monitoring the dogs care.  Mid August 2010 22 of the seized pups were ordered destroyed by the Municipal Authorities despite offers to assist in the relocation of these pups aged between 2 and 12 months had been made numerous times.  The one surviving pup  LOKI who escaped the shelter  twice  in June, remains a stray and has been cared for by myself personally since last October.  LOKI also receives food from many of my own neighbors, and has thus far eluded all attempts being made by the By Law Officer to capture him.  It must be noted that the method by which the 22 puppies were destroyed remains a big secret to which no one, not even the Animal Alliance of Canada, can get answers.

Despite the evidence provided and the testimonies, in this case the courts dropped numerous charges and in the end the verdict was Not Guilty.

In 2008 the Behchoko case whereby 44 sled dogs owned by a reknown  Dene artist Archie Beaulieu had to be humanely put down due to severe neglect resulted in charges under the Federal Criminal Code, however the courts stayed these charges and these 44 neglected dogs did not get the Justice they deserved.

Again in Behchoko six puppies were found in a town dumpster with their tiny throats slashed, again in sub-zero temperatures.  Taken to the GSAH only one of these pups survived.  No charges were ever laid in this case.

The Pokiak case in Tuktoyatuk is also another perfect example whereby sled dogs met with neglect, death and the failure of authorities to prosecute or to seize the two surviving sled dogs, despite all attempts made by the BDRSPCA as well as PETA.

The new NWT Dog Act is merely the First Step, it is not the Comprehensive Animal Protection Act which I have been fighting for, but it is a Victory and it also is a historical event in the NWT.  The motion did carry in the Legislative Assembly to continue working towards the Comprehensive Animal Protection Act, a good thing one would say, however until such time as cases of Animal Neglect/Cruelty are successfully prosecuted, until such time as very real educational programs are put in place to change the apparent mindset of so many towards ‘disposable’ animals; until such time as spay/neuter blitzes  are set in place; until such time as qualified highly trained Animal Cruelty Investigators are established within the NWT;  until such time as needed animal shelter facilities are built and supported not only by volunteers and resident donations but also the Territorial Government;  until such time as there is an expansion of much needed veterinary services within the NWT……..puppies, dogs, cats and kittens will continue to be subjected to prolonged suffering, starvation, freezing to death, slashing of throats and gunshot:

http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/update-on-inuvik-pup-rescued-from-abandoned-pick-up-truck/

With the Territorial Elections now over and GNWT Officials now back to work, it is time to once again put pressure on this government to fulfill the motion carried in the 16th Session to continue working towards a Comprehensive Animal Protection Act, one without the current potentially deadly loophole that was opposed by MLA’s and so many NWT residents.

http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/03/12/nwt-cabinet-voted-to-retain-exception-clause-in-new-dog-act-despite-opposition-to-clause/

http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/03/05/a-year-in-brief-review-%e2%80%93-animal-abuse-in-the-northwest-territories-canada/

 http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/secrets/

http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2009/01/24/legacy-of-the-north/

http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/hail-to-the-nwt-justice-system-northern-dogs-lose-again/

http://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2009/01/29/we-say-tuktoyaktuk-dogs-were-neglected-2/

 

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Update on Events with LOKI

Posted in Commitment, dogs in Canada's north, Fate of Sled Dogs, LOKI, LOKI : fact not fiction, tagged , , , , , , , on November 6, 2011 | 2 Comments »

Six a.m. comes very early on a weekend, when one should be able to catch up on sleep..sleeping in is not an option for me. 6 a.m. on a weekend for me, means getting up, preparing LOKI’s hearty warm breakfast, and going outside with long coat over fleecy pj’s, trudging through backyard snow and refilling his water dish (now frozen) with fresh drinking water, all the while patiently calling to him..standing out in the cold, hoping that he can hear me and anxiously waiting for his arrival.  During the work week this whole process is repeated, only I must rise at least a 1/2 hour earlier so that I will still have time to get ready for work.  Often times he will not come right away, so I must keep my bedroom window open while getting ready for the office so that I can hear him and be prepared to jump up and head out to him.

Yesterday morning saw him arrive around 6:30 and this morning he showed up about 7:45 a.m.  It was cold, and he was covered in ice crystals.  With temps on the decline and winter now ahead of all of us, I do not look forward to this long winter.  Last year I sat outside in my driveway or on my deck in sub zero temps, winds blowing, freezing my hands and excuse the reference..my butt, at all hours of the mornings and nights ensuring that LOKI received warm nourishing meals to get him through the long frigid winter days and nights.

Nothing has changed and I will continue to do just that.  I will continue to do what I have been doing for over a year, protecting him, caring for him and loving him.

Twice in the last two weeks I have witnessed the Town By-Law Officer attempting to capture LOKI, once with Net Gun in hand.  True LOKI is technically a Stray and under the Hay River By-Laws of which I am well versed, By-Law is just doing his job.  Having contacted the Town of Hay River authorities numerous times concerning LOKI I finally did get a written response for the Towns new SAO…. in my reply to this response I have requested:  copied and pasted from my email:

“I do understand that By-Law is doing his job in trying to capture LOKI.  That being said…..I am requesting, in writing, a written guarantee that if LOKI is captured that I be immediately notified.  A written guarantee that he will be taken to the shelter,he will not be destroyed secretly as were the 22 pups, and that I will be called in, and that I be given the time necessary to obtain and set up a portable dog run for him on my property.  That I will be allowed to license him, just as my own two dogs are already licensed.  That during his stay at the shelter while I am preparing for his needs here at home, that I be the person who cares for and works with him while he is at the shelter.”

This being Sunday I have not yet received a response.

I also submitted to Town Officials a deposition attesting to the gentle non-aggressive nature of LOKI which has been signed by many who have come to know and love LOKI.  Included with this deposition are the comments I received by email and through FaceBook from persons who support LOKI and my continued work with him.  This deposition came about due to an allegation made against LOKI which I believe to be a case of mistaken identity.  That being said I also provided the Municipal Authorities a video which I took in my own backyard of another dog that could be LOKI’s twin proving beyond any shadow of a doubt that there are other dogs in this town that could be mistaken for him.

http://youtu.be/ps6hIcuiNVI

LOKI is very special, being the sole survivor of the 23 pups rescued in the Hay River Animal Cruelty Case, raid took place May 29, 2010…(109 dogs involved) 3 of which were immediately put down for humane reasons.  This case took over a year to finally go to trial and despite the evidence, all five charges were dropped.

The 23 pups aged between 2 months and one year, were held and cared for by shelter volunteers at the Muncipally owned shelter for 2 1/2 months, before being secretly removed and destroyed in mid August 2010.  Despite the numerous offers I made to assist in relocating these pups to properly run facilities outside the NT where they would have received proper rehab from highly qualified professional specialist, my offers were summarily ignored.

LOKI escaped the Municipal shelter the first time in mid June 2010, he was recaptured and thankfully again escaped prior to the other 22 pups being destroyed, the method of destruction has yet to be discovered and consequently rumors abound as there is no resident vet in this town.   This last escape is the  act that saved LOKI’s  life.  As the sole survivor LOKI is extremely special, he is precious…he is also a reminder of what took place  here.  That being said, the importance of keeping him healthy and safe cannot be overstated.  His will to survive against all odds is an inspiration in itself, this gentle spirit more than deserves a chance at a loving forever home, free from stress, free from harassment, free from fear, free from frigid temperatures.

My work with LOKI, my commitment and devotion to LOKI, if anything continues to grow stronger, my determination is un-waivering, should he be captured I will have to deal with that if and when it happens.  The trust shared between he and I continues to grow, our time together, our journey will continue.

It has been mentioned to me time and again that LOKI’s story needs to be published in a well established publication, and an offer has been made to me from a dear friend and accomplished journalist to assist me in doing just that.  Certainly I have enough Blog posts, pictures and videos upon which I can resource to pull this all together.  I am happy to say that I am going to do this.  LOKI’s full story needs to be told, he is a remarkable animal.

In addition, I am seriously contemplating a larger project, that of writing a book on the the trials and conflicts I have experienced as an Animal Rights Advocate/Activist from Ontario now living in the Northwest Territories.

As my readers know, my three year battle with the Territorial Government resulted in an historic event this Spring, the passing and Enactment of the new NWT Dog Act.  This first major victory remains far from the Comprehensive Animal Protection Act that I continue to fight for.  The good news is that the Legisaltive Assembly did pass the motion towards continuing work for Comprehensive Animal Protection.

Again, I most certainly have enough Blog Posts, evidenciary pictures and accounts of the decades of animal neglect and cruelty, newspaper clipping as well as records of published accounts of such cruelty that failed to be prosecuted.

Each and everyone of us, who continue the never ending battle to end horrific animal cruelty, can identify with the extreme frustration and heartbreak involved.  We can all identify with the phone calls and emails received on a daily basis.  We can identify with the personal sacrifices each of us make, taking time away from our families, our homes and yes even our own pets, spending money we really don’t have to spend so that one more will be cared for properly.  I would say that we are definitely a Breed Apart, we are unique in our commitment and our devotion and we are as described by one such individual “‘a silent army’”that keeps growing and for that I shall be forever grateful.

  To all of you who have supported my fight for Animal Protection the Northwest Territories I sincerely Thank You.

  To all of you who follow the journey which LOKI and I have embarked upon, all of you who support LOKI and my ongoing work with him, I thank you and I am ever so grateful.

  I know that this beautiful boy is grateful as well.

  From the bottom of both our hearts…..This video contains a special message as well as my own fears

   http://youtu.be/uxbf2iUJbvA

Additional videos of this beautiful boy:

http://youtu.be/nCW2XMey9Rk

http://youtu.be/KTKDWI8_Afo

http://youtu.be/TqI0VjnyU0g

http://youtu.be/3B7NnhAAKSY

http://youtu.be/MrqoARVHZNE

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LOKI UPDATE AND NEW VIDEOS

Posted in Animal Wellness, Commitment, dogs in Canada's north, Fate of Sled Dogs, LOKI, LOKI : fact not fiction, tagged , , , on October 22, 2011 | 1 Comment »

Each new day with LOKI brings so much joy and amazement….these two videos were taken this week..to my delight LOKI actually protected and played with, rather nuzzled his new toy.

Interacting with him in a playful way will reinforce the bond between us, and this is the first time I have enjoyed this activity with him.  Last winter the firstt toy I presented to him, he was quite nervous of..a big green fluffy ball, which he growled at rather than checking it out.

The second toy and first blanket given to him, he dragged off to one of fave spots, which he brought me to to show me his stash.

    I never did find Hemi’s green dog bed that I had put out for LOKI on my deck, that LOKI took off with.

Fort those of you who have been following LOKI’s story you remember that he also took me to show me his porcupine kill this Spring.  Poor boy had four quills in his tender   nose which he managed to miraculously sneeze out.  

LOKI is feeling more and more comfortable in my backyard now, coming for breakfast each morning and for his dinner each evening.  Often times he just comes for a visit, will scent my yard, claiming it as his own, will lounge and stretch out while I sit out side with him enjoying our quiet time together.

He even peeked into my garage, to see where I was going….getting him another soup-bone.  A very good sign that he is comfortable and curious about what I hope to be his forever home (not the garage) but the whole property.

I hope you will enjoy these latest videos:  LOKI and his toy

http://youtu.be/kfUc1AQ7InA

http://youtu.be/KTKDWI8_Afo

Please feel free to join FB Group:  Actionf or the Protection of Northern Animals and to visit LOKI’s FB Blog:  Friends of LOKI.

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LOKI UPDATE Oct 17, 2011: New Pics and Videos

Posted in Animal Wellness, Commitment, dogs in Canada's north, Fate of Sled Dogs, LOKI, LOKI : fact not fiction, tagged , , , , on October 18, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

October  17, 2011

LOKI UPDATE

LOKI

LOKI UPDATE

The 48 hour disappearance of LOKI had me thinking the worst…how could I not,  given the history of the brutality shown to dogs in the NWT, in particular loose, feral and stray dogs.

Thankfully since I found him Friday the 14th, LOKI has been coming to my home 4 to 5 times each day.  Right now as I type this post, he is sleeping in my backyard, the sun glinting off that beautiful black coat of his.

I spent from 4:30 to 5:30 today in his domain across the ravine with him, not at all interested in eating, he just wanted company and proceeded to lay his head on those large paws of his, and drift off to sleep.  I slipped away quietly and returned home.  Within minutes he arrived once again to my yard.

It is now 6 and he has spent the last half hour relaxed and content in my yard.  He did go to the blanket I left for him, just as I had done Sunday, and he started to drag it off, tipping his plate of food along with it.  I left the blanket in place and added a sweat shirt  I’d worn all weekend and a toy…I am anxious to see if he takes off with the sweatshirt.  I just videoed the Magpies eating LOKI’s dinner, and believe it or not Mr. Raven took off with LOKI’s soup-bone…how could he even fly with that???

Best place to be, my own backyard, watching wildlife do what they do, not behind cages in zoos where they are so bored and frustrated all the time.  Wildlife lives best in the wild!!!

 

 

Content  & Safe (These pictures were taken Sunday) and I have new videos and pics of LOKI tonight)

I recorded LOKI with the toy, and got some pics of him stretched out with his head on the new toy, as well

as recording the Magpies and Mr. Raven at his dinner plate, but you’ll have to come back to see all that.

 

 

 

In the mean time I hope everyone enjoys these pictures and the two new videos I took yesterday.

Loki & Henry

 

 

 

 

 

 

Henri is napping too.

LOKI

Sole Survivor, spending Sunday Afternoon together Oct 15 2011

http://youtu.be/MrqoARVHZNE

Mr. Raven : Burying a dog cookie

http://youtu.be/8WKCev6Udk8

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