Winnipeg Humane Society helping pet owners amid increased food bank use

The Winnipeg Humane Society is seeing a significant increase in pet owners accessing their food bank. Daniel Halmarson has more.

A Manitoba animal organization is trying to help pet owners dealing with rising costs.

Glenn Macala had always wanted a dog but waited until retirement to welcome one into his family.

“And now I can devote my time to having a dog and really spending the time that they need,” Macala told CTV News Wednesday afternoon at Brenda Leipsic Park.

He brought Tikaya, his six-month-old German Shepherd, home a couple month ago and he’s learning dogs are a lot of work, a lot of fun… and a lot of money.

“It’s a couple hundred dollars a month to feed her. You know, it’s quite expensive,” Macala said. “And then you get the surprise vet bills and stuff like that. You know, it’s not easy bringing up a dog.”

But Macala says it’s absolutely worth it.

“Every minute, every penny, every second of every day that she’s just brought joy to our life.”

And joy is one of the reasons why the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) wants to help pet owners struggling with rising costs.

“Our goal is to make sure that families can keep their pets. And if that’s them collecting food every month, then that’s no problem for us,” Kendra Galbraith, WHS Community Outreach Manager, told CTV News. “We love to do it, and that’s what we’re here for.”

Galbraith says demand for the organization’s pet food bank tripled in six months, from 88 appointments in April to a staggering 301 in October.

“Any one of us can go through some kind of financial situation or personal situation where, all of a sudden, we can’t afford this pet that we truly love and care for.”

And now, the Humane Society is hoping to make the holiday season a little brighter for dogs and cats too.

The organization wants to put together special hampers for 50 dogs and 50 cats—with food, treats, and a little something extra.

Galbraith said the society is handing out toys, kitty litter, collars and other items.

The Winnipeg Humane Society is accepting donations until December 3rd. A list of items needed can be found online.

The organization is also accepting monetary donations through its website as well.

The hampers will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis on Dec. 16 between 3-4 p.m. at the West End Resource Centre.