After beating cancer four times, Manitoban sets out to rescue dogs in need

Cathie Mieyette, executive director of Spirit of Hope Rescue, shares how the nonprofit saves dogs and supports Indigenous communities.

Nearly 14 years ago, Cathie Mieyette was lying in a hospital isolation ward battling multiple types of cancer.

She was browsing the Internet, trying to pass the time, when she stumbled across story after story of dogs who were sick or dying in northern Manitoba communities.

“I thought, ‘When I survive this, I’m going to start something and I’m going to save tons of dogs,’” Mieyette said.

After a life-saving stem cell transplant helped Mieyette on her road to remission, she kept her promise to herself and Manitoba dogs in need, launching Spirit of Hope Rescue in 2012.

Today, the organization has rescued more than 4,000 sick, injured, neglected, abused or homeless dogs, mostly from northern or remote communities. They are initially sent to foster parents as they receive medical care.

“Most of the dogs aren’t in the best of condition,” Mieyette said. “That’s why our vet bills are over $200,000 a year because we get a lot of parvo.”

Once the pups are healthy and ready, they are put up for adoption.

Spirit of Hope currently has 39 dogs searching for their forever homes, Mieyette said.

Still, the organization is about more than rescuing dogs in need.

Spirit of Hope offers spay and neuter clinics, feeding programs and outreach to address dog overpopulation in northern and remote Manitoba communities.

Education is key to address the problem, Mieyette believes.

“It’s got to start at the level of kids and to show them that these dogs are important,” she said.

“They’re not worthless. They’re worth something.”

With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagacé