EABAMET LAKE – Chief Solomon Atlookan says he’s always had a dog in his life.
Nowadays, that special canine is his daughter’s chocolate lab, named Domi after a retired NHL player.
But veterinary services have historically been hard to come by in their home community, 300 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.
And so the Eabametoong First Nation chief was happy to see the Matawa Animal Services pilot project come to his Ojibwe community.
From Oct. 16 to Oct. 20, 176 animals were seen by a veterinarian, 97 were spayed or neutered, 79 had wellness exams and 348 got vaccinated.
In addition, 40 dogs were transferred to adoption agencies – an important measure as the First Nation tries to control its animal population, according to Matawa.
A community “meet and greet” with the veterinary team kicked off the multi-day outreach, and more than 250 kilograms of donated dog food, supplies and toys were distributed.
The animal services mission was funded by Indigenous Services Canada and enjoyed the support of many partners and allies, including Dr. Patty Lechten and her team from the Global Alliance for Animals and People, North Star Air, Northern Reach Network, Bark Bus, Almaguin Pet Rescues, All Heart Pet Rescue, Rescue 1, Mattie’s Place, Southern Connection, Tails of the North, New Collar Collective, Gone Rogue Rescue and Hopeful Tails.
“We commend pet owners in Eabametoong First Nation who took the opportunity to participate in the recent spay, neuter and vaccine clinic,” said Atlookan.
“Together, we are doing our part to bring our animal population down and to ensure their health, safety and well-being—and by extension, ours,” he added.
“We are grateful for the partners and allies who came together, and we will work to make this kind of clinic a regular annual event in our community.”