After years of fundraising and searching, the Wild Rose Humane Society (WRHS), which services north Rocky View County (RVC), may soon have a physical shelter in Didsbury.
Dean Orlando, president of WRHS, said the organization was incorporated in 2008 and has been operating its programs without a physical shelter since.
“It’s finally coming, fingers crossed,” he said, noting WRHS is still going through the offer process and has not yet secured the purchase of the property. “I can’t wait for the day to announce it (officially) to the folks of (RVC) and area.”
If Didsbury becomes its new home, Orlando said WRHS would operate a full-time shelter, continuing to offer its services in the same coverage area it currently operates.
This area, he said, runs from Airdrie through Innisfail, including RVC and Mountain View County.
“It’s a big area, but we think there’s a definite need to help all the dogs and cats and other animals that could come through our doors,” Orlando said.
WRHS currently has an adoption program that utilizes volunteers to shelter animals until permanent homes are found. Orlando said that program could be expanded with the addition of a physical shelter.
WRHS also offers a spay and neuter program for low income families, as well as educational animal safety programs that have been offered in communities and schools in its coverage area.
Orlando said those programs teach residents what to do and who to call if they spot an injured or lost animal to get it the care it needs.
“We think it’s important to make sure that message gets out,” Orlando said. “We’re continuing to expand that.”
Orlando said he could not disclose the exact location of the property until the sale had been finalized.
If everything goes smoothly and the sale goes through, he said WRHS could have a physical shelter by December or early January 2017.
“We’re pretty excited,” Orlando said.
For more information on the WRHS, visit wildrosehumane.ca
