After sudden influx of dogs, Sudbury's Petsave needs foster homes
An animal rescue organization in Sudbury is in urgent need of foster homes.
Petsave has 50 new puppies and 14 new adult dogs at a time when it's already running at capacity.
The non-profit hopes people will consider helping by fostering or donating supplies to help it deal with a growing number of dogs.
Debbie Devlin has been fostering dogs and cats for nine years. This time around she is fostering two mixed-breed puppies.
"I just love having the little pitter-patters and lots of cuddles and lots of kisses. And just being able to have that warmth and love in the home," said Devlin.
Petsave said it's dealing with the second-largest intake of dogs in its 23-year history. A total of 64 dogs and puppies arrived on Sunday on the Bark Bus from remote northern communities.
"We are really overloaded," said Jill Pessot, director of Petsave.
“We were over capacity before the load came in and now we are actually really struggling to keep up with the numbers.”
Aside from people willing to foster the non-profit said it needs canned puppy food. Collars and leashes for puppies are also needed.
Officials reminded people that fostering a pet involves an interview.
"The adult dogs have been roaming in the North. They have not been in a home environment so we are looking to make that transition,” said Pessot.
“So we are looking for people who are home all day to be able to give that extra little time. And of course our puppies -- most of them -- also came from outside so we are looking for people that give the time TLC and help us socialize these puppies and these dogs."
Devlin said fostering is rewarding even when she has to say goodbye when the animals are adopted.
"I know a lot of people say oh how can you do that and give them up? Well, after a while it gets easier,” she said.
“The first time you foster, yeah it's hard to give them up. But after that, you know that you are doing a wonderful thing for them and for another family.”
Officials said the latest influx of puppies includes some as young as five days old. Older puppies and the adult dogs will be available for adoption in about 10 days once the quarantine period is over.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Former Mississauga, Ont. mayor Hazel McCallion dies at 101
Former Mississauga, Ont. mayor Hazel McCallion, nicknamed 'Hurricane Hazel,' has died. She was 101 years old. Premier Doug Ford said McCallion died peacefully at her home early Sunday morning.

As Canada's RCMP marks 150th anniversary, a look at what it says needs to change
After years of reports and allegations detailing a 'toxic' workplace, Canada's RCMP says it is trying to evolve, focusing on diversity in its organization and repairing relationships with communities as it marks its 150th anniversary.
Majority of affordable homes approved under federal program not yet constructed
The federal government has set aside billions of dollars to quickly build affordable housing across the country, but delays in construction suggest many of the projects approved for funding are missing their deadlines.
Memphis police disband unit that beat Tyre Nichols
The Memphis police chief on Saturday disbanded the unit whose officers beat to death Tyre Nichols as the nation and the city struggled to come to grips with video showing police pummelling the Black motorist.
'We're going to work flexibly' with provinces and territories on setting terms of health funding deals: Duclos
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos insists the federal government is going to 'work flexibly' with the provinces on the terms of a possible health-care funding deal and avoid 'micromanaging' how they deliver health care to Canadians.
Once-in-a-lifetime discovery: Indigenous jacket that may be a century old turns up in small U.K. town
When 1990s suede fringe jackets started making a comeback last year, a U.K.-based vintage clothing company decided to order four tonnes of suede from a supplier in the United States. Along with that shipment came a once-in-a lifetime discovery.
How to get over the 'mental hurdle' of being active in the winter
When the cold and snow have people hunkering down, these outdoor enthusiasts find motivation in braving the Canadian winter through community and sport.
Hearing testimonies from e-cigarette users may deter students from vaping: study
According to a new study, showing university students the health risks of vaping through experts and personal testimonies can help deter them from using e-cigarettes.
Health Canada sticks with Evusheld despite U.S. FDA dropping the COVID drug
Health Canada says it will continue to recommend COVID-19 prevention drug, Evulsheld, despite U.S. FDA pulling back its emergency use authorization due to concerns around its efficacy against Omicron subvariant 'Kraken.'