The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Email: rockymountainanimalrescue@gmail.com (preferred method of contact due to time constraints)

Animal rescue is all volunteer work but the efforts, of course, are very rewarding. Even though most of the pets posted on our site were homeless, starving strays or unwanted in kill-shelters, there is still a high cost to save them. Each pet has a different and remarkable story. Some cost more than others to adopt, usually due to urgent veterinary bills or air transportation.

In Canada, there are few to none Low Cost Spay & Neuter clinics, adding to the very important expense. Untold numbers of darling adoptable pets are put to death due to overpopulation, and many in highly unpleasant ways. There is no easy way to kill a healthy animal except euthanasia, and even that, is heartbreaking to watch.

Puppy mills and breeders add to the shocking amount of pets that are homeless, and each one purchased takes away from the opportunity of a shelter or stray dog or cat, puppy or kitten, from getting a home. Keeping a breed line going is important, however there is no excuse for puppy mills and the laws should protect animals from abuse (but they don't). You can however, help by insisting lawmakers change the laws and prosecute animal abusers. The animals can't speak up for themselves, but you can! Don't buy from pet stores unless they are shelter and/or rescued dogs and cats for adoption. You don't see what's going on behind the scenes. Buying from purebred breeder pet stores is to perpetuate abuse to these animals (similar to buying fur coats, boots, or lined hoodies). Breeders often abandon, stop feeding, or kill cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters and birds if they aren't purchased. Think about it, where do cats and dogs go when they're past puppyhood and no ones has bought them? Do pet stores want to feed, clean, care, and pay for vet bills? They are driven by money, not the love of animals. The only breeders that care are ones that also do breed rescue (expensive, time consuming, and no profit).

Adopt a pet from a shelter, SPCA, a rescue group like Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue, or a stray on the street when you're on a holiday!! (you'll need an international health certificate from a vet and an airline crate or pet carry on. Take one with you like I did when vacationing in Cuba, fill the crate with your unwanted clothes to give to people less fortunate than us, and bring back a street dog or cat). Little Toby, above, was found sick and laying in the dirt at a market in Cuba.

Or Slim (above), who was rescued after surviving the flood after Hurricane Katrina, and spent 7 weeks in a boarded up bathroom where he had to swim for an unimaginable amount of time and in complete darkness. After a year and a half without his owners coming for him or any potential adopters, he was flown to Canada and lives a happy life in Canmore, Alberta.

Phone: 403.673.3224 (for urgencies)