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Everyone who volunteers at the Winnipeg Humane Society does so because of a deep connection to animals, and we show that passion in the way each of us deals with dogs, cats, rabbits, and other creatures.

But Aisha Mahmood’s volunteerism with the WHS is borne from an intense respect for animals. She does not have a regular shift at the shelter, but several times a year she spends her weekends in remote Manitoba communities, volunteering at veterinary clinics organized through the WHS’ One Health program and partner groups.

The One Health program focuses on providing much-needed veterinary services through external remote/Northern and internal clinics to communities in Manitoba.

Services offered under One Health include spay/neuter clinics, vaccine clinics, pet food donations (when available), knowledge sharing about dog bite prevention, dog behaviour and health education, and more.

For example, in November 2024, WHS held a clinic in Sagkeeng First Nation in partnership with Underdogs Rescue Inc. and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (at the University of Saskatchewan). At the event, 93 surgeries took place – mainly spay/neuter – and many more were topped up on their vaccinations and given health checks.

“I love volunteering with One Health,” Aisha explained. “I help to keep the clinics running smoothly by speaking with community members to explain the procedures and find out about their pet’s health concerns, helping with intake, handling the dogs, and supporting the vet team.

That’s my heart. I love the rez dogs.  I’ve been working with rescues for the last 16 years. When I found out the number of roaming/stray dogs in Northern communities in Manitoba and learned more about our canine overpopulation and the inaccessibility of veterinary care to isolated northern communities, I was overwhelmed but determined to make a difference.”

She’s been helping with clinics for about seven years and the past two years as a WHS volunteer with One Health. Prior to that, she fostered animals and helped with fundraising and activism.  As a youngster she would sometimes walk dogs at the previous WHS location.

The clinics are organized by the host community, who schedule the appointments. A small army of volunteers will drive to the community, where possible, but many times flying in is the only option. They bring with them the equipment necessary to handle the surgeries as well as pet food donations.

“It’s a big operation,” Aisha pointed out. “There’s a solid group of veterinarians, vet technicians and vet students, who volunteer their time. Plus, there’s usually community members who are helping with the logistics (of putting on the clinic). It’s a partnership between the community, the WHS, rescue groups, and community members.”

Aisha helps keep the clinic running smoothly. She intakes the dogs, weighs them, confirms what they’re at the clinic for and makes them as comfortable as possible in a kennel before surgery. Many times, she’ll hold a dog while the vet tech is prepping the dog for surgery. And once the dog has had its surgery there’s the “less glamourous” job of cleaning out the kennels.

The spay and neuter programs are so important, as well as community education about how to care for animals. “Often we’ll go to people’s homes,” she said. “It’s great to see how much the owners love their dogs, and we have the time to explain what the dogs need and what we’re going to do with the vaccinations or contraceptive implants and how important that is.”

While most dogs are owned by residents, sometimes there are stray dogs that the community has identified as breeders (responsible for part of the local overpopulation) that the community wants to see get spayed or neutered.

Volunteers might sleep in the local nursing station, an Air B&B, on a cot in the town hall, or at the home of a local resident who has made a spare room available.  It’s a demanding few days, with Aisha coming in contact with dozens of dogs of different breeds, ages, size, and temperament.

Giving up weekends to go to remote communities and volunteer long hours might not be for anyone, but Aisha seems like she would not have it any other way. “It’s go, go, go, and then you feel so proud of what you accomplished in that weekend, and how many new friends and community connections you’ve made, and how healthy the animals can continue to be.”