MOOSE JAW — Running Wild Rescue is asking the community to lend a helping hand — or paw — to ensure its mission to rescue and rehome stray dogs and cats in the area stays on track and tails keep wagging this year.
Although the non-profit isn’t hosting its next major fundraiser until April 5 and 6 at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall, its founder is putting the call for donations out early in the hopes of seeing additional success in 2025.
“We’re looking for lots of donations money wise just to help with our vet bills,” announced Jasmin Wenarchuk, founder of Running Wild Rescue in Moose Jaw.
“We take in a lot of random animals from all over the (area). We’re mainly looking for anything from food… collars, and leashes — anything that helps our animals get started on the right track.”
In particular, she’s now seeking wet dog and cat food, along with kennels and blankets.
Wenarchuk said most of the funds go directly to veterinary bills and the remainder is used to purchase pet food and similar essentials.
“We spay and neuter, we snap test all of our cats, and we have to get them vaccinated,” she said. “They get rabies vaccines and then we have to deworm them.”
A snap test refers to a quick diagnostic test administered by veterinarians to check an animal for specific diseases like Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Heartworm Disease, and others.
“We get in all sorts of situations,” she added. “Last week, we had a dog that had to go in for a C-section at 12:00 in the morning and it ended up costing $3,400. Right now, we have a cat hooked up to an IV at the Moose Jaw Animal Clinic.
“The vet bills never end, so we’re constantly fundraising to help the animals.”
Wenarchuk hasn’t determined a set time and date for this year’s upcoming fundraisers, and a lot of this boils down to the need to account for new rescues that can happen at any time.
“We have (at least) four or five (fundraisers) lined up, but it changes every day. We’re always on the go (and) we’re always starting something new,” she explained.
The shelter already made earlier this January. The next visit will take place in February with a time and date yet to be determined.
On Wednesday, Jan. 22, Running Wild plans to visit Central Collegiate with a few furry friends in support of youth mental health from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. — although the event is exclusively available for students at the school.
On Thursday, Jan. 23, the organization will host a public 50/50 raffle at Bugsy’s Irish Pub featuring ribs and Caesar salad in support of students in the Voyage Quebec group from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 apiece and can be purchased by calling 306-313-1558.
Running Wild is also hosting an ongoing purse and Scentsy candle fundraiser through its Facebook page, ‘.’
The shelter attributes its success to the incredible support of the community, describing Moose Jaw residents as the “soul of the rescue.” From fostering animals to making donations in any amount, local involvement has been key to the success of Running Wild.
“Honestly, the community is what keeps us going,” she said. “Our fosters make a huge difference; without fosters, we would be nothing.”
The shelter currently houses 130 dogs including 70 newly taken in this January with 60 up for adoption. As well, 33 additional cats were taken in this month for a total of 80 with 25 up for adoption.
To foster, adopt, or donate to the cause, phone 306-313-1558 or email [email protected].
