Forty-seven former sled dogs have found new homes since Whistler Animals Galore (WAG) took charge of 89 animals after the collapse of the Whistler Sled Dog Company (WSDC) about two months ago.
"We've rehomed almost half of them. We're down to 42 left at the (at the WSDC) kennel where they are being kept, which is great," said Lindsay Suckling, WAG's adoption manager.
"We rotate the dogs that come to the shelter, but usually they are at the kennel. If there is interest or they are about to be adopted we bring them to WAG and help transition them so they're walked through the area, have a chance to get used to cars and things like that."
Suckling added that WAG staff have been working at the kennels, "exercising, training and socializing the dogs to help them adjust from kennel to shelter or kennel to home. They have brought kiddie pools, toys, and games to the kennels and some staff even sleep up there."
As well as keeping a number of the animals in the Whistler area, the group had been split up and dogs taken to the Victoria and Burnaby SPCA branches, where adoptions could take place.
"The dogs have been transitioning really well, though for some it takes a little longer and we help our adopters through that, so they can help their dogs adjust to new lives away from the kennels," Suckling said.
"Some have transitioned so fast. They love playing with toys, comfy beds, sleeping inside."
The sled dogs range in age from two to 16 years old, she said.
"These dogs have been active all their lives. Some people aren't sure about older dogs but they are still so active and love running and hiking. We always encourage our adopters to do breed checks before adopting any dog, to find out what they are like," Suckling added.
Anyone interested in adopting one of the former sled dogs can check them out on WAG's website: www.whistlerwag.com. Fees for dogs between one and seven years old are $250 and dogs older than seven are $85, plust PST.
WAG's biggest fundraiser of the year, the K9 Wine & Dine, takes place at the Four Seasons Resort in Whistler on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Suckling said WAG typically raises $9,000 to $12,000 at the event.
There will be a three-course dinner for dogs and a larger buffet for their humans, Suckling said. Tickets are $20 for dogs and $45 for humans and can be purchased at WAG and Scotiabank Creekside. They can also be purchased over the phone by calling WAG at 604-935-8364.
