2008: The Year of the Dog

Admittedly, 2008 is not the official year of the dog. But for all of us here at Sophie's Dog Adoption we've got big plans for Montreal dogs in the New Year.

We will be not only working to better serve the dogs and families that come through our rescue, but we'll be working hard to help ensure greater safety for all the dogs in Montreal.

What's on the docket:

Education, education, EDUCATION
As a tiny grassroots rescue with incredibly limited resources we can only help the tiniest fraction of the dogs in need. In 2008 we estimate that we will place 80-100 dogs with their forever homes. But so many more will die needlessly because of widespread overpopulation and an attitude of "disposablity" when it comes to companion animals.

Our hope is to start and implement an educational program in order to prevent the proliferation of pets, encourage people to work with their dogs instead of giving up on them and to make people aware of the commitments of dog ownership before they take on a dog.

We'll be tackling issues like spay and neuter, positive training and companion animal care.

Registered Charity Status
For 2008 we are keeping our fingers crossed that our application for Registered Charity Status will be approved!

With the ability to solicit tax refundable donations we hope to have more resources to draw from with the ultimate goal of creating broader outreach and education efforts.

Adoption Pamphlet
This is a little something I've been working on: an adoption pamphlet that each adoptive family will receive before or during their adoption. It's full of great information for first time and seasoned dog owners alike and covers everything from when to feed your dog to preventing and correcting problem behavior.

I'm so grateful to everyone who has helped me with this project, especially Alex my positive dog training guru!

Hopefully we'll have the pamphlet available on the website for general use as well! Keep your eyes out, it should be done within the month!

Spay & Neuter Programs
This is a long term goal, but Montreal desperately needs an affordable spay and neuter program and Sophie's Dog Adoption wants to help provide it!

It will take a lot of logistical work and relationship building, but if we can help 10 people spay their dogs in 2008- that could mean 60 less dogs searching for homes in 2009!

Affordable and accessible sterilization is the only way to curb companion animal overpopulation and end the needless deaths and sufferings.

So Happy New Year everyone! Here is to the Year of the Dog and all the positive changes our best friends deserve!